Critical Reasoning

Some animals, such as dolphins, dogs, and African grey parrots, seem to exhibit cognitive functions typically associated with higher-order primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans. Some parrots, for example, have vocabularies of hundreds of words that they can string together in a comprehensible syntax. This clearly shows that humans and primates are not the only animals capable of using language to communicate. One parrot, named Alex, has been known to ask to be petted or kissed and will exhibit aggression if the gesture offered is not the specific one requested.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion above?

A] Dolphins can be trained to assist divers in ocean rescues.

B] Gorillas in captivity often learn hand signals for food and water.

C] Dogs are capable of sensing their owners' moods and often exhibit concern if they sense sadness.

D] Chimpanzees can memorize long sequences of key punches on machines that dispense food.

E] Alex does not exhibit aggression when offered a gesture that he specifically requested.


The given OA is E.


The explanation that given is as follows:


[spoiler]Option A: There needs to be given a strong reason how the non-humans and the primates communicate. A dolphin getting trained in order to assist human beings, is not a thing that mentions anything about language communication.

Option B: Out of scope again as it does not mention anything about language communication skills. In fact this option does not talk about non-humans and primates.

Option C: Dogs sensing something does not say anything about language communication.

Option D: same as B.

Option E: If the parrots show aggressive behavior even when it is given the desired behavior, then it will mean that the parrots are not able to distinguish between language communication.
And this option clearly says that the parrot is able to distinguish and hence it strengthens the argument.
[/spoiler]

I think this question was more like the assumption question. It requires a lot of practice. Man such questions if asked on the real gmat, then we are going to have it...