16. Anthropologist: Scientists have found that the proportion of people surviving to old age more than quadrupled about 30,000 years ago. This boost in longevity was probably instrumental in the development of sophisticated cave art, because engaging in art required leisure time, and ________.Which of the following would, if true, most logically complete the anthropologist's argument?
Answer: C
Older people would have been able to transfer to the younger generation many responsibilities related to survival.
The argument posits that the increase in longevity allowed older individuals to pass on vital knowledge and skills to younger generations, which in turn would facilitate the creation of more sophisticated cave art due to a stable societal structure and shared responsibilities.
A) many conditions required for the development of sophisticated cave art were absent more than 30,000 years ago
This option suggests that essential conditions for cave art were lacking, which does not support the argument. The anthropologist's claim hinges on the idea that increased longevity led to more sophisticated art, so stating that necessary conditions were absent undermines that premise.
B) cave art started to grow quickly in sophistication more than 30,000 years ago
While this option acknowledges an increase in sophistication, it does not explain how the longevity of individuals contributed to this development. It fails to connect the dots between the increase in lifespan and the ability to create sophisticated art.
C) older people would have been able to transfer to the younger generation many responsibilities related to survival
This option directly supports the argument by indicating that the presence of older individuals, who could mentor and teach younger generations, would lead to a more stable society. This stability would create the necessary environment for the leisure time needed to engage in artistic endeavors.
D) an increase in leisure time would in itself have probably increased the life expectancy of the members of that culture
This option implies a causal relationship where leisure time leads to increased life expectancy, which contradicts the argument. The argument emphasizes that increased longevity facilitated art production, not the reverse.
E) it seems likely that 30,000 years ago the cave art produced by the cultures with the most leisure time would have been the most sophisticated
While this option suggests a correlation between leisure time and art sophistication, it does not address how increased longevity contributes to this relationship. It does not logically complete the argument as effectively as option C does.
Conclusion
Option C is the most logical completion of the anthropologist's argument, as it explains how the increased lifespan of individuals allowed for the transfer of knowledge and responsibilities, fostering a culture that could dedicate time to art. The other options either fail to support the argument or divert from the connection between longevity and the development of sophisticated cave art.