A group of archaeologists discovered a skull fossil while excavating an ancient site. Initially, they believed the skull belonged to a young saber-toothed cat due to its size and shape. However, the skull's structure did not provide enough space for the large canine teeth typical of an adult saber-toothed cat. Based on this observation, the archaeologists concluded that the skull fossil must belong to a different species closely related to the saber-toothed cat.

Which of the following, if true, would best challenge the conclusion drawn by the archaeologists?

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Correct answer marked below

The growth patterns of canine teeth can vary significantly among different species.

Adult saber-toothed cats lose their juvenile teeth before their adult canines emerge.

Correct

The skull structure of a young lion, a relative of the saber-toothed cat, is similar to that of a young saber-toothed cat.

Many skull fossils have been found that cannot be definitively linked to a specific species.

The juvenile skull of a species related to the saber-toothed cat is larger than that of a saber-toothed cat.

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

To determine which option best challenges the archaeologists' conclusion, we need to analyze the implications of each statement. The archaeologists concluded that the skull must belong to a different species because it could not accommodate the adult teeth of a saber-toothed cat. Option (A) suggests that growth patterns vary, which does not directly challenge the conclusion. Option (B) states that adult saber-toothed cats lose juvenile teeth before adult canines emerge, indicating that the skull could still belong to a saber-toothed cat if it is indeed juvenile. This directly…

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Comments

BadalMar 7, 2025

thanks

AbhayMay 8, 2024

thanks

JannatJan 25, 2024

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What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can identify the option that most undermines an argument's conclusion.

Common trap

Choosing an irrelevant objection or one that attacks the premise rather than the reasoning.