PrepTest 136

Incorrect. Wrong comparison on two fronts. We need to compare early humans living in different areas as far as their caloric utilization was concerned, not early humans and modern humans on the use of fat reserves.

Incorrect. Similar to (A), comparing early humans to modern ones doesn't highlight why the human brain developed at different rates in different areas.

Incorrect. Another irrelevant comparison. While these areas may have had more reliable and abundant food sources than they do today, it's still the case that shore areas were more stocked back when the brain was first developing, and so this doesn't do anything to resolve the paradox.

Incorrect. If the stimulus presented evidence about "known" or "discovered" sites that provided the information it relied on, then this answer might be a consideration. However, since it raises all of the information it presents as fact, this answer is out of scope.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Requirement for brain development - High-calorie diet high in fats
BUT! - Shore environments more abundantly and reliably provided this, but brain evolution took place in other areas (savanna and woodland)

Answer Anticipation:
Why did the brain do most of its developing in an area that had less access to elements that were "crucial" for the development of that brain? There must be a relevant difference between the shore environments and savannas/woodlands that can explain why they were the location for the brain's development despite having less access to food resources that provided the crucial nutrition. Let's head into the answers looking for relevant differences.

Answer Explanation:
This answer highlights a relevant difference between shore areas and others, including savannas and woodlands. If humans had to spend more calories catching food, then they would have fewer calories available for their brains to develop. As such, areas with less abundant and reliable food but less of a calorie requirement to catch it would leave more calories available for the brain's development.

Key Takeaway:
Paradox questions are frequently about comparisons. Figure out if a relevant similarity or difference would help to resolve the issue, and head into the answers looking for one!