Q13 - Unlike other primroses, self-pollinating primroses

[wayne_palmer10]

What would be the best way to solve a lengthy question like this one? I wasn't sure why (B) was correct.

[dan]

This is an "explain the result" question.

First, define the "unexpected" result: self-pollinating primroses have a higher average seed production than other primroses, but are less common than other primroses.

Next, realize that, generally speaking, the answer choices will fall into one of three categories:

1. doesn't inform the situation at all (irrelevant)
2. exacerbates the unexpected result (makes it even more unexpected)
3. explains the unexpected result

We obviously want an answer that does #3.

Answer (B) explains the unexpected result. We might expect that self-pollinating primroses would be more prevalent because they have higher seed production than other primroses, but if those self-pollinating primrose seeds are less likely to germinate (as (B) suggests), then we'd end up with fewer self-pollinating primroses.

If you have an "aha, so that's why" type of reaction when you read an answer choice, it's probably the right answer.

Hope that helps.

dan

[hdw217]

Hi there,

can you explain why D isn't correct?

is it because self pollination plants could have used wind and so circumvented the problem in D?

[nflamel69]

because D talks about all kinds of primoses.

[christine.a.brock]

Can someone confirm that the answer sheet on this Practice test pdf is wrong? it does say answer D is the one; just wanted to make sure

[tommywallach]

Actually, the official test (As far as I can see) doesn't list ANY answer for this one. Either way, it's (B).

-t

[crocca]

Hey, I'm not sure if this is where I would post a comment like this, but on the LSAT Navigator, it marks B as incorrect and says D is the correct answer. Pointing it out so y'all can fix it!!

[creek1262]

Hi seconding the most recent comment above, the LSAT navigator puts D as the correct answer, when it's actually B.
Thank you.

[ohthatpatrick]

Thanks for re-upping this. We don't always see posts from Yellow names. I've forwarded this issue to tech support so hopefully it'll be fixed soon.

Thanks again!