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Question

Difficulty: EasyAligning Data and Predictions with Viewpoints

Two students discuss the cause of a sudden increase in the population of green algae in a local pond.

* Student 1 claims that the algae bloom is caused by agricultural runoff containing phosphorus from nearby farms. Student 1 predicts that reducing fertilizer use on these farms will decrease phosphorus levels in the pond and thus decrease algae growth.
* Student 2 claims that the algae bloom is caused by a recent rise in water temperature. Student 2 predicts that algae growth is unaffected by phosphorus levels and will only decrease if the water temperature drops.

Suppose a study finds that when farmers significantly reduced fertilizer use, phosphorus levels in the pond decreased, but the algae population continued to grow at the same rapid rate. This finding is inconsistent with the prediction(s) of which student(s)?

  1. Student 1 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    Student 2 only
  3. C
    Both Student 1 and Student 2
  4. D
    Neither Student 1 nor Student 2

Answer

Student 1 only
The finding is inconsistent with Student 1 only. Student 1 predicted that lower phosphorus levels would decrease algae growth. Since the phosphorus levels decreased but the algae growth rate did not, the data directly contradicts Student 1's prediction. The data is consistent with Student 2's prediction that algae growth is independent of phosphorus levels.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the prediction made by Student 1 regarding phosphorus levels.
Student 1 predicts that reducing fertilizer use will decrease phosphorus and decrease algae growth.
To determine what Student 1 expects to happen when phosphorus levels drop.
2
Identify the prediction made by Student 2 regarding phosphorus levels.
Student 2 predicts that algae growth is unaffected by phosphorus levels.
To determine what Student 2 expects to happen when phosphorus levels drop.
3
Compare the new study's findings to both predictions.
The study shows that phosphorus levels decreased, but algae growth did not decrease. This directly contradicts Student 1's prediction of decreased growth, but supports Student 2's prediction that growth is unaffected by phosphorus.
To identify which prediction is inconsistent with the observed data.

Key Concept

Aligning experimental data and predictions with conflicting viewpoints
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Topics

Aligning Data and Predictions with Viewpoints

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