Free Practice Question
CR · Critical Reasoning
555-605
Weaken
A group of paleontologists discovered a skull fossil in a sedimentary layer. Initially, they believed the skull belonged to a young mastodon, a now-extinct relative of modern elephants, due to the size of the teeth which appeared to be juvenile. However, mastodons are known for their large tusks, and the skull's structure would not accommodate the tusks of an adult mastodon. Based on this, the paleontologists concluded that the skull fossil indicates a different species closely related to the mastodon.
Which of the following, if true, would best provide evidence showing that the conclusion above is possibly flawed?
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowA
The juvenile skull of a species related to a mastodon is smaller than that of a mastodon.
B
The growth pattern of tusks provides sufficient evidence for the classification of ancient species.
In order for the tusks of an adult mastodon to grow, several juvenile teeth must first be lost.
Correct
D
The tusks of an adult woolly mammoth, a close relative of the mastodon, are similar in size to those of an adult mastodon.
E
Many fossils remain that have not been definitively assigned to any species.
See the full step-by-step explanation
You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.
Track your performance and improve
Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.
Explanation
Preview
Official Explanation
Official
To determine the flaw in the paleontologists' conclusion, we need to consider how the growth of tusks and teeth affects the classification of the skull. Option (C) states that in order for the tusks of an adult mastodon to grow, several juvenile teeth must first be lost. This implies that the presence of juvenile teeth does not rule out the possibility of the skull…
Read the full explanation
Sign in for free to see the complete step-by-step solution to this question.
Comments
3
Sign in to join the discussion
P
priyankaFeb 13, 2025
thanks!
J
JillianAug 20, 2024
finally understood this
C
ChiamakaApr 18, 2025
Greatt
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.
Related GMAT Topic Guides
Details
Difficulty
555-605
Type
CR