Read the following argument about a recently discovered species. Match each excerpt from the argument to its correct structural role in the reasoning.
Argument: Some biologists assert that the newly discovered glow-frog uses its bioluminescence primarily to attract mates. This hypothesis is incorrect. The glow-frog's light is only visible to predators equipped with specialized retinas, which the glow-frogs themselves lack. Therefore, the frogs cannot see each other's glow. Consequently, the bioluminescence must serve primarily as a defense mechanism to startle predators rather than to attract mates.
- Some biologists assert that the newly discovered glow-frog uses its bioluminescence primarily to attract mates.Opposing View
- The glow-frog's light is only visible to predators equipped with specialized retinas, which the glow-frogs themselves lack.Premise
- Therefore, the frogs cannot see each other's glow.Intermediate Conclusion
- Consequently, the bioluminescence must serve primarily as a defense mechanism to startle predators rather than to attract mates.Main Conclusion
Answer
The biologists' assertion is the Opposing View, the lack of specialized retinas is a Premise, the inability of frogs to see the glow is an Intermediate Conclusion, and the claim that the glow serves as a defense mechanism is the Main Conclusion.
The correct matches map the logical flow of the argument: the author introduces a competing theory (opposing view), provides a basic biological fact (premise) to derive a sub-point about the frogs' vision (intermediate conclusion), and uses that sub-point to prove the ultimate evolutionary purpose of the trait (main conclusion).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Argument Structure: Identifying roles of statements