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Difficulty: HardStrengthen

A recent analysis of dental calculus from the skeletal remains of the ancient Zuri people, who lived in the isolated, arid canyons of the Xylos region 3,000 years ago, revealed significant traces of a unique psychoactive compound. This compound is naturally found only in the leaves of the Tethyan shrub, a plant species strictly native to coastal marshlands located over 500 miles away. Based on this discovery, anthropologists conclude that the ancient Zuri must have engaged in long-distance trade with coastal populations.

Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the anthropologists' conclusion? (Select all that apply)

  1. The climate of the canyon region 3,000 years ago was just as arid as it is today, making it impossible for the Tethyan shrub to have grown there.Answer
  2. The specific psychoactive compound found in the dental calculus is not synthesized by any other plant species known to have existed in or near the Xylos region.Answer
  3. C
    Extensive archaeological excavations in the Xylos canyons have failed to uncover any other artifacts or goods originating from the coastal marshlands.
  4. Isotopic analysis of the Zuri skeletal remains indicates that these individuals lived their entire lives within the canyon region and never traveled to the coast.Answer
  5. E
    The modern descendants of the coastal populations continue to harvest the Tethyan shrub for its medicinal and ceremonial properties.

Answer

The statements that rule out local historical growth of the plant, eliminate alternative local plant sources, and confirm the Zuri did not travel to the coast themselves.
The anthropologists conclude that the presence of the compound means the Zuri engaged in long-distance trade. The correct answers strengthen this argument by ruling out alternate explanations. One correct answer rules out the possibility that the coastal plant grew locally in the ancient past. Another rules out the possibility that the Zuri traveled to the coast to harvest the plant themselves. The final correct answer rules out the possibility that the compound came from a different, locally available plant species. By eliminating these plausible alternatives, the trade hypothesis becomes significantly stronger.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main conclusion and the supporting premises of the argument.
Conclusion: The ancient Zuri engaged in long-distance trade. Premises: Zuri remains from an arid canyon have traces of a compound found only in a coastal shrub 500 miles away.
Deconstructing the argument is necessary to expose the logical gaps between the evidence and the conclusion.
2
Brainstorm potential alternative explanations (loopholes) that could explain the premises without the conclusion being true.
Alternative explanations include: the plant grew in the canyon 3,000 years ago, the Zuri traveled to the coast to get it themselves, or the compound came from a completely different local plant.
Identifying alternative explanations is the key to evaluating historical and causal arguments on the LSAT.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to find those that eliminate these alternative explanations.
Three options successfully defend the conclusion by ruling out local climate suitability, alternative local plants, and personal travel by the Zuri.
Ruling out alternate explanations (using Defender Assumptions) is one of the most effective ways to strengthen an argument's conclusion.

Key Concept

Strengthening historical arguments by ruling out alternative explanations
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