Archaeologists in Michigan: Why not C?

[massi2884]

Why C is wrong? If goods are usually well preserved and no goods were found here, isn't it strengthening the conclusion that the camp dates earlier than 1620? OA is B

Archaeologists in Michigan have excavated a Native American camp near Dumaw Creek. Radiocarbon dating of animal bones found at the site indicates that the camp dates from some time between 1605 and 1755. However, the camp probably dates to no later than 1630, since no European trade goods were found at the site, and European traders were active in the region from the 1620's onward.

Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?

(A) Due to trade among Native Americans, some European trade goods would have reached the area before the European traders themselves did.
(B) At all camps in the region that have been reliably dated to the late 1620's, remains of European trade goods have been found.
(C) The first European trade goods to reach the area would have been considered especially valuable and preserved as much as possible from loss or destruction.
(D) The first European traders in the area followed soon after the first European explorers.
(E) The site is that of a temporary camp that would have been used seasonally for a few years and then abandoned.

[Bill@VeritasPrep]

The conclusion is that the camp dates to no later than 1630 (or, in simpler terms, earlier than 1630). We also know that European traders first came to the region in the 1620's and that there are no European goods at the camp.

C tells us that the first European goods to reach the area were valued and preserved as much as possible. We don't know that these first goods reached this specific camp.

[Birottam Dutta]

Furthet, B exactly tells us that at all other camps in the region, European goods have been found. If this is true, then it does strengthen the argument that the camp may not date any later than 1630.

Hope that clears your doubt!

[ice_rush]

Hi Bill,

Though I picked (B) for this question, I think (A) is also a good strengthener but probably not as good as (B) -- Is my understanding correct?

[Bill@VeritasPrep]

The problem with A is similar to the problem with C; it tell us about the general area, but it doesn't mention the camp specifically.