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Question

Difficulty: EasyIdentifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

Two students discuss the sudden decline of the yellow trout lily population in a local forest.

Student 1: The decline is due to a decrease in soil pH (increased acidity) resulting from acid rain. This acidity prevents the lilies from absorbing essential nutrients, causing them to wither and die.

Student 2: The decline is caused by an increase in the population of the red-backed salamander. These salamanders compact the soil around the lily bulbs, preventing water from reaching the roots.

Based on the explanations, determine whether the following statement is true or false:

Student 2 believes that the wildflower decline is caused by chemical changes in the soil.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The statement is false because Student 2 believes that physical soil compaction by red-backed salamanders is the cause of the lily decline, whereas Student 1 is the one who proposes chemical changes (acid rain causing decreased soil pH) as the cause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate Student 2's explanation in the passage.
Student 2 attributes the yellow trout lily decline to soil compaction caused by an increased population of red-backed salamanders.
To identify Student 2's specific hypothesis.
2
Examine the statement to evaluate.
The statement claims that Student 2 believes the primary cause of the decline is chemical changes in the soil.
To identify the specific belief being attributed to Student 2 in the statement.
3
Compare Student 2's actual hypothesis with the claim in the statement.
Student 2 proposes a physical mechanism (soil compaction) rather than a chemical one (which is proposed by Student 1). Therefore, the statement is false.
To determine the final truth value.

Key Concept

Identifying the core beliefs and hypotheses of different scientific models or viewpoints
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Identifying Hypotheses and Beliefs

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