Q19

[jpchris3]

Hello,

I was wondering why C is the correct answer. A, B, and C, all seemed pretty attractive- scientists in each situation are trying to better understand animal behavior by introducing something man-made to mimic something thought to induce that behavior.

Thanks!

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Good question. The question asks us to find a strategy most similar to Sheich's experimental strategy as it is described in the passage. You're correct to say that answer choices (A), (B), and (C) do attempt to learn about animal behavior by introducing something man-made into the environment. So let's look for differences between these answer choices that can be compared to the passage. The most clear difference is that answer choice (A) seeks to explain mating habits, answer choice (B) seeks to explain navigational behavior, and answer choice (C) seeks to explain hunting behavior. Sheich's experiment was meant to learn about hunting behavior, making answer choice (C) the most similar of the answer choices.

Incorrect Answers

(A) seeks to learn about mating habits rather than hunting behavior.
(B) seeks to learn about navigational behavior rather than hunting behavior.
(D) does not seek to explain an animal's behavior.
(E) does not seek to explain an animal's behavior.

[leroyjenkins]

Also, in the passage, the platypuses are trying to detect electrical fields emitted by other creatures.

So we have As (platypus) trying to detect energy produced by Bs (prey).

In answer A, we have As (birds) trying to mate with As (birds).

In answer B, we have A (a certain animal) trying to detect energy produced by A (the same animal).

C is the only answer where you have As (animals) trying to detect energy produced by Bs (prey).

Am I right to say that the sets the elements come from play a role in determining the answer here?

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

Nice point leoangelakos!

Since the question asks for a strategy most similar to Scheich's it's absolutely the case that your point about elements could have become essential to answering the question. In this case, it wasn't necessary, though definitely a strategy that is valid.