Question

Decide if each of the following is an example of inductive or deductive reasoning.(A) All flying birds and insects have wings. Birds and insects flap their wings as they move through the air. Therefore, wings enable flight. (B) Insects generally survive mild winters better than harsh ones. Therefore, insect pests will become more problematic if global temperatures increase. (C) Chromosomes, the carriers of DNA, separate into daughter cells during cell division. Therefore, DNA is the genetic material. (D) Animals as diverse as insects and wolves all exhibit social behavior. Therefore, social behavior must have an evolutionary advantage for humans.

Answer 1

The correct option is (a), as it accurately differentiates between inductive reasoning (statements A and D) and deductive reasoning (statements B and C) in the given examples.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question presents different statements and requires a determination of whether they are examples of inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves making broad generalizations based on specific observations, which may not necessarily be correct. Conversely, deductive reasoning starts with a general premise and applies it to specific cases to reach a logical conclusion.

• (A) All flying birds and insects have wings. Birds and insects flap their wings as they move through the air. Therefore, wings enable flight. - This is an example of inductive reasoning, as it infers a general conclusion (wings enable flight) from specific observations about flying birds and insects.
• (B) Insects generally survive mild winters better than harsh ones. Therefore, insect pests will become more problematic if global temperatures increase. - This is an example of inductive reasoning because it predicts future outcomes (increased pest problems) based on observed trends (insect survival in mild winters).
• (C) Chromosomes, the carriers of DNA, separate into daughter cells during cell division. Therefore, DNA is the genetic material. - This is an example of deductive reasoning since it reaches a logical conclusion about DNA based on a known generalization about chromosomes.
• (D) Animals as diverse as insects and wolves exhibit social behavior. Therefore, social behavior must have an evolutionary advantage for humans. - This is an example of inductive reasoning because it suggests a broad conclusion about human evolution based on observations from other animals.

Given the choices provided, option (d) 1-Inductive, 2-Inductive, 3- Inductive, 4- Deductive would not be accurate since sentence 3 is an example of deductive reasoning. Therefore, the correct option is (a) 1- Inductive, 2- Deductive, 3- Deductive, 4- Inductive.

Answer 2

Answer: 1: inductive; 2: deductive; 3: deductive; 4: inductive.

Explanation: Inductive reasoning is a way of reasoning in which the premises are considered as supplying some evidence for the truth of the conclusion; the opposite meaning of deductive reasoning. While the conclusion of a deductive argument is certain, the truth of the conclusion of an inductive argument may be probable, based upon the evidence given.