According to Kaplan, as chain length increases, bp,mp, and density increases for alkanes while increases branching decreases these properties. Why is the answer to #152 not A then!?!?

According to Kaplan, as chain length increases, bp,mp, and density increases for alkanes while increases branching decreases these properties. Why is the answer to #152 not A then!?!?

When there it is more hindered the molecules will pack much better causing the melting point to increase. Also notice the gorgeous symmetry in choice D. The symmetry makes that packing really nice. A has no branching therefore more surface area for heat to act upon therefore lowest melting point.