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

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.