Question

Which of the statement(s) about the passage weaken(s) the argument presented? it{Scientists associate large brains with greater intelligence. However, in the evolutionary context it has also been identified that beyond a point, the size of the brain has not increased and yet after a particular period, in spite of no significant change in brain size humans have made significant progress. Certain researchers propose that this is because, while the overall brain size may not have changed, marked structural changes can be noticed in specific structures that run parallel to an increase in human intelligence.}

• A. Recent studies refute the hypothesis that region-specific brain development is necessarily associated with rapid human progress
• B. Neanderthal people's extinction was probably because of their brain size
• C. Homo Sapiens and its destruction in the future may happen because of its rapid brain development
• D. Recent studies show that Neanderthal people, with relatively smaller brains, were capable of complex language and social activities

Hint:

To identify weakening statements, focus on contradictions or counterexamples to the argument's core premise.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The argument in the passage is that human intelligence increased due to structural changes in the brain, not overall size. Let’s evaluate the options:
- Option (A) does not weaken the argument, as it does not directly address the structural changes linked to intelligence.
- Option (B) is irrelevant to the argument, as it speculates on Neanderthals' extinction without contradicting the premise of structural brain changes.
- Option (C) is speculative and does not refute the argument.
- Option (D) weakens the argument by demonstrating that Neanderthals, despite having smaller brains, exhibited complex behavior, which undermines the implied link between structural changes and intelligence.
Thus, the correct answer is (A).