Question

Recent DNA analysis shows that the majority of modern humans alive today have at least some genetic material in common with Neanderthal humans. Archaeologists believe that the first evidence of religious behavior has been found in excavations of Neanderthal dwellings in France. The presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern Europeans has led some scholars to assert that Europeans are genetically programmed for religious behavior in ways that people from other areas of the world are not. Which of the following, if true, more seriously weakens this argument?

• A. The areas of the Neanderthal excavations have climates in which artifacts are exceptionally well preserved, unlike other areas of early human activity.
• B. There is disagreement among archaeologists as to whether the artifacts found in Neanderthal excavations actually indicate religious behavior.
• C. Evidence of religious behavior has been found in every known human culture.
• D. A significant portion of modern Europeans do not practice any religion.
• E. It is impossible to tell by looking at someone whether he or she has Neanderthal DNA.

Hint:

When evaluating an argument, look for evidence that challenges the core premise. In this case, disagreement about the interpretation of artifacts weakens the argument about genetic predisposition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the argument.
The argument claims that Neanderthal DNA in modern Europeans suggests a genetic predisposition for religious behavior. This is based on the idea that artifacts in Neanderthal excavations point to religious activity.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) The areas of the Neanderthal excavations have climates in which artifacts are exceptionally well preserved, unlike other areas of early human activity: Incorrect. While this adds context about the preservation of artifacts, it does not address the core issue of whether the artifacts suggest religious behavior.
- (B) There is disagreement among archaeologists as to whether the artifacts found in Neanderthal excavations actually indicate religious behavior: Correct. If there is disagreement about the interpretation of the artifacts, the argument about genetic predisposition for religious behavior becomes less convincing.
- (C) Evidence of religious behavior has been found in every known human culture: Incorrect. While this provides broader context, it does not directly weaken the specific claim about Neanderthal DNA and religious behavior.
- (D) A significant portion of modern Europeans do not practice any religion: Incorrect. While this may seem relevant, it does not directly weaken the argument about Neanderthal DNA and religious behavior.
- (E) It is impossible to tell by looking at someone whether he or she has Neanderthal DNA: Incorrect. This fact does not directly address the claim about the genetic connection to religious behavior.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) There is disagreement among archaeologists as to whether the artifacts found in Neanderthal excavations actually indicate religious behavior.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(B) \, \text{There is disagreement among archaeologists as to whether the artifacts found in Neanderthal excavations actually indicate religious behavior.}} \]