Question

In 1998, paleoanthropologist Rick Potts published an article in The Yearbook of Physical Anthropology, a peer-reviewed journal. The article was titled “Environmental Hypotheses of Hominin Evolution.” Which statement about Rick Potts would most increase his authority?
Potts has read hundreds of websites about human evolution.
Potts has been interested in human evolution since a very young age.
Potts is the director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program.
Potts has posted on many blogs about human evolution.

Answer 1

"Potts is the director of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program."

Being the director of a major, reputable institution is a relevant professional credential that demonstrates expertise, peer recognition, and responsibility in the field—far stronger evidence of authority than personal interest, blog posts, or reading websites.