Q16

[jlz1202]

I narrow down to D and E, and find D directly conflict with the last paragraph but have no idea how to locate information to judge E?

Any thought would be appreciated!

[ohthatpatrick]

I wasn't sure from your question, but I'm assuming you felt good about (D) being correct since it is NOT consistent with the final paragraph.

You won't necessarily find support for (E) in the passage. However, we could certainly say that (E) is consistent with the passage, since spiders are more likely to fight in the grassland habitat (so therefore they're more likely to withdraw in the riparian habitat)

Let me briefly clarify what is meant by 'consistent' (it does NOT mean the same thing as 'supported by the passage')

Consider this claim:
Andy is a boy who likes playing golf.

Which of these statements are consistent with that claim? Which are inconsistent?

a) some boys like playing golf
b) Milwaukee makes terrible beer
c) Andy hates playing all sports and games

A lot of people would think (A) is consistent, while (B) and (C) are inconsistent.

This is incorrect. (A) and (B) are consistent, while only (C) is inconsistent.

The idea of consistency is whether or not something contradicts a piece of information. The random fact about Milwaukee does not contradict the fact that "andy is a boy who likes playing golf". Thus, it is consistent with that fact.

Whenever LSAT uses "inconsistent" or "LEAST compatible", they are really referring to a contradiction.

So on #16, (E) could say something totally random and still be consistent with Riechert's theory. In order for the answer to be correct, it has to contradict, which (D), as you surmised, does.

Hope that helps.

[jlz1202]

Now I know I initially did not quite understand "consistent". So it could be something conforms to what the passage mentioned or something new and not mentioned as long as it does not conflict with the passage, really appreciate it! Thanks very much ohthatpatrick!

[griswald]

Why is (C) consistent with Riechart's theory?