LSAT 111 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q5

LR Question 5 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: One of the advantages of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) toxins…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: The BT bacterial toxins are better than chemical pesticides for pest control.

REASONING: The toxins only harm the insects in question. They don’t harm birds or the insects that prey upon the pest insects.

ANALYSIS: The correct answer shows how BT toxins have a disadvantage against chemical toxins. The wrong answers mostly show limitations of BT toxins. These don’t help, because they are limitations that likely also affect chemical pesticides.

___________

1. This could be bad, if the chemical insecticides kill beneficial insects.
2. That’s fine. The stimulus argues that the toxins should be used in combination. It always says BT toxins, plural.
3. This doesn’t matter. We have no evidence that chemical insecticides would harm weeds.
4. CORRECT. The BT toxins could work better at first but then slowly become ineffective.
5. So? The stimulus didn’t claim that BT toxins will fix every problem.