Archaeologists analyze the arrangement of ancient artifacts to deduce the living conditions of past civilizations. Numerous artifacts are found in a scattered arrangement known as disarray, a condition that experts suggest is often indicative of a sudden disaster. This implies that many of the artifacts discovered in disarray were likely abandoned due to a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake or flood.

Which of the following, if true, most undermines the reasoning above?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

A. Sudden disasters create conditions that hinder the preservation of artifacts left behind in disarray.

B. Studies have confirmed that the disarray of artifacts can also result from natural erosion over long periods.

C. Experts indicate that certain diseases can cause communities to abandon their possessions, leading to disarray.

Correct

D. Many artifacts found in disarray are located in areas that show signs of having experienced an earthquake or flood.

E. The effects of natural disasters on ancient civilizations are similar to those observed in modern societies.

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.

Start for free Sign in

Explanation

Preview

Official Explanation

Official

The reasoning suggests that artifacts found in disarray were likely abandoned due to a catastrophic event. To weaken this reasoning, we need evidence that suggests disarray can occur for reasons other than a disaster. Option C states that certain diseases can cause…

Read the full explanation

Create free account Sign in

Comments

IfeanyichukwuJan 15, 2025

thanks for the answer

ANUBHAMar 20, 2025

Thank you very much!

MahnoorJun 14, 2024

Amazing

MelissaJan 18, 2025

thanks for taking time to upload it!

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.