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- Posts: 8915
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:00 am
#36248
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14432)
The correct answer choice is (C)
For this question, we need to consider which of the following five questions can be answered using
the information provided in the passage. Often the most efficient approach to this sort of question is
to review the choices and quickly eliminate any that cannot be answered using the information in the
passage. Then examine the remaining responses more closely.
Answer choice (A): From the last paragraph, we know that lichens exist in a diverse range of
conditions that need to be factored into any calibration of lichen grown rates. However, the precise
method for measuring lichen growth rates under such conditions is unclear. Since this question
cannot be answered with the information provided, this answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): From the last paragraph, we know that the intensity of the radiation striking
Earth’s upper atmosphere affects the amount of carbon 14 contained in the environment. The precise
method for determining the intensity of this radiation is never discussed. Therefore, this answer
choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer. In line 57, Bull and Brandon give examples of
some of the conditions that encourage lichens to grow at a more rapid rate than usual (shade and
wind). By knowing exactly where this information appears, it is relatively easy to verify that there is
sufficient information to answer this question. Therefore, answer choice (C) is correct.
Answer choice (D): The use of lichenometry is discussed in the second paragraph of the
passage, which provides no information as to the approximate date of the earliest earthquake that
lichenometry has been used to identify. From the last paragraph we know that lichenometry is best
used for earthquakes that occurred within the last 500 years. This does not, however, mean that the
earliest earthquake identified by the use of lichenometry occurred 500 years ago.
Answer choice (E): Although the techniques used in radiocarbon dating may well be applicable in
areas other than studying past earthquakes, no such applications were discussed in this passage. Be
careful not to rely on your own knowledge of the topic when answering Must Be True questions.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14432)
The correct answer choice is (C)
For this question, we need to consider which of the following five questions can be answered using
the information provided in the passage. Often the most efficient approach to this sort of question is
to review the choices and quickly eliminate any that cannot be answered using the information in the
passage. Then examine the remaining responses more closely.
Answer choice (A): From the last paragraph, we know that lichens exist in a diverse range of
conditions that need to be factored into any calibration of lichen grown rates. However, the precise
method for measuring lichen growth rates under such conditions is unclear. Since this question
cannot be answered with the information provided, this answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): From the last paragraph, we know that the intensity of the radiation striking
Earth’s upper atmosphere affects the amount of carbon 14 contained in the environment. The precise
method for determining the intensity of this radiation is never discussed. Therefore, this answer
choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): This is the correct answer. In line 57, Bull and Brandon give examples of
some of the conditions that encourage lichens to grow at a more rapid rate than usual (shade and
wind). By knowing exactly where this information appears, it is relatively easy to verify that there is
sufficient information to answer this question. Therefore, answer choice (C) is correct.
Answer choice (D): The use of lichenometry is discussed in the second paragraph of the
passage, which provides no information as to the approximate date of the earliest earthquake that
lichenometry has been used to identify. From the last paragraph we know that lichenometry is best
used for earthquakes that occurred within the last 500 years. This does not, however, mean that the
earliest earthquake identified by the use of lichenometry occurred 500 years ago.
Answer choice (E): Although the techniques used in radiocarbon dating may well be applicable in
areas other than studying past earthquakes, no such applications were discussed in this passage. Be
careful not to rely on your own knowledge of the topic when answering Must Be True questions.