PrepTest 140

Incorrect. This answer doesn't address why they don't engage in attacks if the threat gestures don't work to preserve that social status.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Sometimes, angry chimps make threat gestures at other chimps. Sometimes, angry chimps attack other chimps. The gestures are rarely followed by attacks, and the attacks are rarely preceded by gestures.

Answer Anticipation:
The question stem asks us to find a reason that threat gestures rarely lead to physical attacks, so anything that explains that can serve as an explanation. We don't have any solid anticipation of what that could be, but we have a solid frame to analyze answers.

Answer Explanation:
If the threat gestures help to avoid physical aggression by letting monkeys "shout it out," then that explains why those gestures rarely lead to aggression.

Key Takeaway:
Common trap answers in Paradox questions will align with the scenario described without describing why it happens that way. This is illustrated by answer (E) here. Be wary of these—you need an answer that explains the why?

Incorrect. Even if they're not the only means of displaying aggression, they're still two ways, and this answer doesn't explain why the former doesn't lead to the latter.

Incorrect. This answer doesn't explain why these matching gestures don't lead to escalation to physical attacks.

Incorrect. But why? This answer aligns with the paradox presented, but it doesn't explain it.