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Archaeologists recently discovered a high concentration of grinding stones at a 12,000-year-old settlement in the Zaran Valley, predating known agriculture in the region by 2,000 years. Residue analysis of these stones revealed trace amounts of wild cereal grains. Based on this, the lead researcher concluded that the valley's ancient inhabitants systematically processed and stored wild grains as a primary food source long before crop domestication. Which of the following statements, if true, would most strengthen the researcher's argument? Select all that apply.

  1. Microscopic wear patterns on the discovered grinding stones perfectly match those found on tools used exclusively for daily, high-volume grain processing.Answer
  2. Excavations immediately adjacent to the grinding stones revealed large, subterranean clay-lined pits containing massive concentrations of wild cereal pollen.Answer
  3. C
    The wild cereal species identified in the residue are known to be highly susceptible to rapid rot if stored for more than a few weeks.
  4. D
    A higher percentage of the grinding stones at the Zaran Valley site were made of durable basalt compared to stones at later agricultural sites.
  5. E
    The wild cereal grains native to the Zaran Valley possessed a higher baseline nutritional yield than those found in regions where agriculture was formally domesticated.

Answer

The correct selections are the statement identifying wear patterns indicative of high-volume processing and the statement detailing the discovery of large clay-lined storage pits.
The argument jumps from the mere presence of tools with trace grains to a massive claim about systematic processing, storage, and dietary reliance. The correct answers directly address these leaps. The statement about wear patterns confirms the tools were used heavily and specifically for grains, supporting the 'primary food source' and 'systematic processing' claims. The statement about subterranean pits provides the exact physical evidence needed to validate the 'stored' claim.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main conclusion of the argument.
The inhabitants systematically processed and stored wild grains as a primary food source.
This is the core claim that must be supported by the correct answer choices.
2
Identify the premises and the logical gap.
Premises: Grinding stones were found, and trace wild grains were on them. Gap: Traces of grain on stones do not guarantee high-volume processing (primary food source) or the existence of storage.
Understanding the gap allows you to find evidence that specifically bridges it.
3
Evaluate each option to see if it independently bridges a critical part of the gap.
The option regarding microscopic wear patterns supports the 'systematic/primary processing' claim. The option regarding clay-lined pits supports the 'storage' claim.
In a multi-select strengthen question, each correct option must independently provide meaningful support to the conclusion.

Key Concept

Identifying and bridging logical gaps in causal or evidentiary arguments.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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