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Zorluk: OrtaNecessary vs. Sufficient Condition Flaws

Paleontologist: A species can survive rapid environmental shifts only if it possesses a high degree of genetic variation. The newly analyzed fossil record of the *Cymbospondylus* indicates that this marine reptile exhibited a remarkably high degree of genetic variation during a period of extreme climate volatility. Therefore, the *Cymbospondylus* must have successfully survived that era of rapid environmental shifts.

Which of the following most accurately describes a flaw in the paleontologist's reasoning?

  1. A
    takes for granted that any species that fails to survive rapid environmental shifts must lack a high degree of genetic variation
  2. B
    presumes, without providing justification, that high genetic variation causes rapid environmental shifts rather than merely coinciding with them
  3. treats a condition that is necessary for a certain outcome as if it were sufficient to produce that outcomeCevap
  4. D
    relies on an ambiguous use of the phrase 'rapid environmental shifts' to draw a conclusion about a specific historical era
  5. E
    assumes that what is true of a species as a whole regarding its genetic makeup must also be true of each individual member of that species

Cevap

The correct answer identifies that the argument treats a condition that is necessary for a certain outcome as if it were sufficient to produce that outcome.
The paleontologist establishes that genetic variation is necessary for survival by using the indicator phrase 'only if'. The argument then points out that the *Cymbospondylus* met this necessary requirement (it had high genetic variation) and concludes that it must have survived. This reasoning is flawed because it assumes that meeting a necessary requirement is sufficient to guarantee the result. Having genetic variation is required to survive, but it does not mean survival is guaranteed.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the conditional relationship in the first premise.
The phrase 'only if' introduces a necessary condition. So, Surviving (S) requires Genetic Variation (V).
Identifying the formal logic structure is the first step in evaluating any conditional argument.
2
Evaluate the second premise and the conclusion.
The second premise states that the species had Genetic Variation (V). The conclusion claims that the species therefore Survived (S).
Comparing the provided evidence to the drawn conclusion reveals any logical gaps.
3
Identify the logical flaw in moving from the premises to the conclusion.
The argument assumes that fulfilling the necessary condition (V) guarantees the sufficient condition (S). This is a classic conditional flaw.
An argument cannot validly conclude that a sufficient condition occurred just because a necessary condition was met.

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Necessary vs. Sufficient Condition Flaws
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