Question

Which of the statement(s) about the passage weaken(s) the argument presented? Passage: 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 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:

In "weaken the argument" questions, find the option that directly contradicts the passage's central claim or explanation, not side details or irrelevant scenarios.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the argument in the passage. The passage argues that even when overall brain size does not change, region-specific structural changes in the brain explain significant increases in intelligence. Step 2: Check each option. - (A) Directly weakens the argument because it refutes the central claim that region-specific development is linked with rapid human progress.
- (B) Talks about Neanderthal extinction due to brain size. This is unrelated to the passage's argument (which is about structural changes, not extinction).
- (C) Speculative about future destruction of Homo Sapiens — irrelevant to the reasoning in the passage.
- (D) Suggests Neanderthals with smaller brains could still perform complex activities, but this does not refute the idea of structural brain changes driving intelligence.
Step 3: Final Answer. Thus, the option that weakens the argument is: \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]