medium · GMAT Verbal
Argument: **Researchers have long hypothesized that the domestication of dogs occurred approximately 15,000 years ago.** However, recent DNA analysis of canine remains found in Siberia suggests a genetic divergence from wolves as early as 33,000 years ago. While this divergence does not prove full domestication, it indicates a prolonged period of co-evolution.
Therefore, **the traditional timeline for the human-canine relationship likely needs to be pushed back by tens of thousands of years.** Which of the following best describes the roles played by the boldfaced portions?
- The first is a traditional view that the argument seeks to revise; the second is the main conclusion.
- The first is the main conclusion; the second is evidence supporting it.
- The first is evidence the author accepts; the second is a competing hypothesis the author ultimately rejects.
- The first and second are both intermediate conclusions leading to a final recommendation.
- The first is a premise supporting the argument; the second is an intermediate conclusion.
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