Question

Opponents of Darwin's theory regarding coral reef transformation would disagree with which of the following statements? 1\. Coral reef's change from fringing reef's to barrier reef's, and then into free-floating atolls. 2\. Atolls are farther from land masses than are barrier reef's. 3\. Fringing reef's inevitably developed into barrier reef's because volcanic islands gradually sank into the ocean. 4\. As a result of the end of the Ice Age, increased expanses of water aided in the transformation of fringing reef's into barrier reef's.

Short answer

Opponents of Darwin's theory regarding coral reef transformation would most likely disagree with statement 4, which suggests that the end of the Ice Age and the resulting increase in water expanses aided in the transformation of fringing reefs into barrier reefs. This statement introduces a factor unrelated to Darwin's theory, which is mainly based on the sinking of volcanic islands.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Darwin's Theory of Coral Reef Transformation

Darwin's theory on coral reef formation consists of three main types of reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls. The transformation is initiated by the growth of coral rings (fringing reefs) around a volcanic island. As the volcanic island sinks due to erosion and subsidence, the coral reef grows towards the ocean's surface, becoming a barrier reef. Eventually, when the volcanic island completely submerges, only the coral ring (atoll) remains.

Evaluate Statement 1

Statement 1 states that coral reefs change from fringing reefs to barrier reefs and then into free-floating atolls. This statement aligns with Darwin's theory on the transformation of coral reefs. Therefore, opponents of Darwin's theory would most likely not disagree with this statement.

Evaluate Statement 2

Statement 2 states that atolls are farther from land masses than are barrier reefs. This statement logically follows the process defined in Darwin's theory; as a volcanic island sinks, the subsequent atoll would be farther away from the initial landmass (the volcano). Thus, opponents of Darwin's theory would also not likely disagree with this statement.

Evaluate Statement 3

Statement 3 states that fringing reefs inevitably develop into barrier reefs because volcanic islands gradually sink into the ocean. This statement directly describes the process of transformation in Darwin's theory, where fringing reefs grow upward to keep up with the sinking island, eventually becoming barrier reefs. Opponents of Darwin's theory would not disagree with this statement either.

Evaluate Statement 4

Statement 4 asserts that the end of the Ice Age, and the resulting increase in water expanses, aided in the transformation of fringing reefs into barrier reefs. This statement introduces a factor unrelated to Darwin's theory, as his theory is mainly based on the sinking of volcanic islands. Opponents of Darwin's theory would most likely disagree with this statement, as it suggests an alternative factor for the transformation of coral reefs.

Identify the Disagreed Statement

After evaluating each statement, it becomes evident that opponents of Darwin's theory regarding coral reef transformation would most likely disagree with statement 4. The end of the Ice Age and the increased expanses of water are not part of Darwin's theory, suggesting an alternative explanation for coral reef transformation.

Key concepts

Darwin's theory of coral reef transformation

Charles Darwin's theory of coral reef transformation, formulated in the 19th century, describes the evolution of coral reefs as a dynamic process resulting from geographical and environmental changes over time.

According to Darwin, the journey begins with fringing reefs, which are directly attached to the shoreline of an island. These fringing reefs then extend seaward and, with the island's subsidence due to natural erosive processes, the reef evolves into a barrier reef, creating a lagoon between the reef and the island. Finally, as the island continues to subside completely below sea level, an atoll is formed, which is a ring-shaped reef surrounding a central lagoon, with no central island above the water's surface.

Darwin's groundbreaking work was significant not only for oceanography but for reinforcing the concept of natural selection and adaptation. The theory showcased how coral reefs adapt their growth in response to the gradual sinking of volcanic islands and changing sea levels, ensuring their survival as the island they surround disappears.

Logical reasoning

Logical reasoning is a fundamental skill, not just for law students preparing for the LSAT but for anyone who wishes to assess arguments and make well-founded decisions. It involves analyzing information, identifying patterns, and deducing conclusions based on evidence presented.

Developing proficiency in logical reasoning involves understanding various forms of argument structures, recognizing logical fallacies, and practicing problem-solving techniques. For instance, when presented with a set of statements, someone skilled in logical reasoning would evaluate the consistency of the arguments, check the validity of the deductions, and be able to identify which conclusions cannot be rightly drawn from the given premises.

The LSAT heavily relies on logical reasoning to assess law school applicants, using sections like those posing hypothetical situations to test one's ability to dissect complex arguments. These skills are not merely academic exercises but are critical in legal contexts where practitioners must analyze cases, interpret statutes, and predict judicial outcomes.

LSAT PrepTests

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test widely considered a crucial component of law school admissions in the United States and Canada. The test is designed to measure skills considered essential for success in law school, such as critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.

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