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- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Tue Jul 04, 2017 10:53 am
#36811
Complete Question Explanation
Resolve the Paradox. The correct answer choice is (B).
The paradox in this case involves nicrophorus beetle parents, who remain in pairs to feed their larvae,
leading to the expectation that the larvae benefit from the presence of both parents. Surprisingly,
however, the larvae grow larger when one parent is removed.
Since we’ve been presented with a potential discrepancy, and the question asks us to explain the
situation, we should consider why the larvae might fare better with only one parent. If we can prephrase
an answer, we should do so. Otherwise we should look for the answer choice that is consistent with the
apparently contrary premises in the stimulus.
Answer choice (A): This answer choice actually broadens the paradox, making it more difficult to
explain why the larvae would grow larger with only one parent present.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. If both parent beetles would normally consume
the family food supply, the absence of one would mean more food for the larvae.
Answer choice (C): This is another answer choice which broadens the paradox. If there is a parent
resting while the other one is providing, there would be more reason to expect that the larvae with two
parents might be better off.
Answer choice (D): Since the stimulus concerns the first week, and this response concerns occurrences
from after this period, this choice cannot help to resolve the discrepancy and is therefore incorrect.
Answer choice (E): If this is the case, we might expect greater results from the pair. This broadens the
paradox, rather than explaining it.
Resolve the Paradox. The correct answer choice is (B).
The paradox in this case involves nicrophorus beetle parents, who remain in pairs to feed their larvae,
leading to the expectation that the larvae benefit from the presence of both parents. Surprisingly,
however, the larvae grow larger when one parent is removed.
Since we’ve been presented with a potential discrepancy, and the question asks us to explain the
situation, we should consider why the larvae might fare better with only one parent. If we can prephrase
an answer, we should do so. Otherwise we should look for the answer choice that is consistent with the
apparently contrary premises in the stimulus.
Answer choice (A): This answer choice actually broadens the paradox, making it more difficult to
explain why the larvae would grow larger with only one parent present.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. If both parent beetles would normally consume
the family food supply, the absence of one would mean more food for the larvae.
Answer choice (C): This is another answer choice which broadens the paradox. If there is a parent
resting while the other one is providing, there would be more reason to expect that the larvae with two
parents might be better off.
Answer choice (D): Since the stimulus concerns the first week, and this response concerns occurrences
from after this period, this choice cannot help to resolve the discrepancy and is therefore incorrect.
Answer choice (E): If this is the case, we might expect greater results from the pair. This broadens the
paradox, rather than explaining it.