Statement: A woman’s biological clock starts ticking in her late 20s, not her mid-30s, and male fertility also begins to wane by the late 30s (doctor’s report). Conclusions: I. Older couples will not be able to conceive. II. Both men and women experience diminishing ability to procreate with age.
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AIf only conclusion I follows
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BIf only conclusion II follows
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CIf either I or II follows
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DIf neither I nor II follows
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EIf both I and II follow
Answer
Correct Answer: If only conclusion II follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The medical statement notes age-related decline in fertility for both sexes. The logical test is to avoid absolutist misreadings and stick to what the text warrants about age and procreative capacity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Female fertility concerns begin in late 20s; male fertility wanes by late 30s.
- The statement speaks of decline, not impossibility.
Concept / Approach:Conclusion I (“will not be able to conceive”) imposes an absolute impossibility, which is not stated; many older couples do conceive naturally or with assistance. Conclusion II restates the directional claim (diminishing ability with age for both sexes), which matches the report.
Step-by-Step Solution:1) Identify the modality: “starts ticking/wane” = decline, not zero.2) Therefore II (diminishing ability) follows; I (impossibility) does not.
Verification / Alternative check:An older couple’s successful conception does not contradict the statement about probabilities declining with age; hence only II is compelled.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:“Both/Either” accept the absolute claim; “Neither” ignores explicit age-related decline.
Common Pitfalls:Equating “reduced probability” with “zero probability.”
Final Answer:If only conclusion II follows.