We know that Dr. Tyson and Dr. Rees disagree over the interpretation of certain footprints that were left among other footprints in hardened volcanic ash at site G.
Dr. Tyson claims the footprints are early hominid because they show human characteristics. But, because these human characteristics (i.e. a squarish heel and a big toe immediately adjacent to the next toe) on the footprints indicate that if hominids actually did make those prints, they would have had to walk in an unexpected cross stepping manner, Dr. Rees rejects Dr. Tyson's conclusion that the footprints are from early hominids.
Dr. Tyson makes his conclusion, that the footprints are from early hominids, based off of the human characteristics (i.e. various aspects) of the footprints. However, Dr. Rees disagrees with Dr. Tyson's conclusion exactly because of these human characteristics, i.e. if hominids made these footprints they would have had to walk in an unexpected cross stepping manner.
Therefore, answer choice (A) is correct in stating that the disagreement between the two paleontologists is over the relative significance of various aspects of the evidence.
Hope that helped! Let us know if you have any more questions!
BatmanMarch 1, 2014
Thanks a lot!!!^^
OhemaaJune 14, 2018
Why wouldn't the answer be E?
ChristopherJune 15, 2018
@Ohemaa, answer (E) is never dealt with in the passage. The two scientists are not in disagreement about how early hominids walked but rather whether or not these footprints belonged to early hominids. Their disagreement stems from the implications of the given evidence, thus (A). It's possible that the two scientists disagree about how early hominids walked, but there is nothing to suggest this in the passage.
Does that help?
gmaramaraAugust 2, 2020
why not C?
VictoriaAugust 4, 2020
Hi @gmaramara,
Answer choice (C) is incorrect because Dr. Tyson does not address the gait of the creature that made the footprints.
Therefore, we do not know whether they believe that footprints can be used to determine the gait of the creature who made them or not.
Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions.
MazenDecember 7, 2020
Please explain why answer choice D is wrong?
Dr. T reached a conclusion with which Dr. R disagrees. For D to be the wrong answer choice, Dr. R should have also reached a conclusion; but Dr. R disagrees with Dr. T's conclusion. Dr. R does not have one of her own; Does she?
VictoriaApril 10, 2021
Hi @Mazen,
Thanks for your question!
Dr. R did reach a conclusion. Dr. R's conclusion is that Dr. T's conclusion is incorrect i.e. Dr. R does not believe that the footprints were made by hominids. Why? Because the footprints demonstrate a walking pattern that is inconsistent with how hominids regularly walk.
Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions.
