Match each stimulus argument (Left) with the necessary supporter assumption (Right) required to logically bridge the gap between its premise and its conclusion. Note that all arguments relate to the fictional ecology of Vespera Valley, requiring careful attention to the specific logical structure of each rather than shared vocabulary.
- Since the predatory Kestrel was introduced to Vespera Valley, the native Silver Vole population has plummeted. Therefore, the Silver Vole must lack the natural camouflage required to evade avian predators.A prey population that plummets immediately following the introduction of a predatory bird must lack the natural camouflage required to evade avian predators.
- The invasive Crimson Vine in Vespera Valley aggressively outcompetes native understory plants for sunlight and soil nutrients. Consequently, the valley is currently experiencing a severe collapse in overall ecological biodiversity.The aggressive displacement of native understory plants invariably leads to a severe collapse in a region's overall ecological biodiversity.
- If the Vespera Valley council restricts human access to the eastern trails, the breeding grounds of the Azure Warbler will remain undisturbed. Therefore, restricting human access to those trails will protect the Azure Warbler from imminent extinction.Ensuring that a species' breeding grounds remain undisturbed is sufficient to protect that species from imminent extinction.
- A recent survey of Vespera Valley reveals that the percentage of oak trees exhibiting leaf-blight is much higher in the northern quadrant than in the southern quadrant. Clearly, the northern quadrant has experienced higher volumes of acidic rainfall.An elevated incidence of leaf-blight among oak trees in a given region is a definitive indicator that the region has experienced higher volumes of acidic rainfall.
Answer
The correct pairings match each stimulus to the assumption that connects its unique premise to its unique conclusion. The Kestrel argument pairs with the camouflage assumption; the Crimson Vine argument pairs with the biodiversity assumption; the Azure Warbler argument pairs with the extinction assumption; and the oak tree argument pairs with the acidic rainfall assumption.
Each correct pair represents a classic Supporter Assumption relationship. In each stimulus, the author introduces a completely new concept in the conclusion (camouflage, biodiversity collapse, imminent extinction, acidic rainfall) that was not established by the premises. A valid Supporter Assumption must act as a missing premise, explicitly linking the evidence provided to the new concept introduced in the conclusion.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Bridging Gap (Supporter) Assumptions