If dinosaur DNA has deteriorated, then it is impossible to recreate dinosaurs. If dinosaurs perished long ago, then dinosaur DNA has deteriorated. Hence, if dinosaurs perished long ago, then it is impossible to recreate them.
A) Constructive dilemma.
B) Affirming the consequent.
C) Pure hypothetical syllogism.
D) Modus tollens.
E) Invalid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This argument is a pure hypothetical syllogism because it follows the form: If P then Q, if Q then R, therefore if P then R. It connects two conditional statements to conclude a third conditional statement directly related to the first two.

If Dinosaur DNA Has Deteriorated, Then It Is Impossible to Recreate