Agricultural scientists are investigating the sudden, widespread failure of the Azure Melon crop in the northern valley. They initially considered four potential causes before systematically ruling them out to isolate the true factor. Match each proposed hypothesis for the crop failure with the specific piece of evidence that was used to logically eliminate it from consideration.
- The crop failed due to a novel viral pathogen.Extensive molecular screening of the affected cellular tissue failed to detect any traces of exogenous RNA or DNA.
- The failure resulted from severe soil nutrient depletion.Biochemical assays of the earth surrounding the roots confirmed robust concentrations of essential growth elements, including nitrogen and phosphorus.
- A widespread fungal root rot caused the crops to wither.Botanical surveys of the subterranean agricultural beds revealed completely intact vascular systems and no sign of tissue necrosis.
- Unprecedented drought conditions prevented the melons from maturing.Comprehensive environmental data indicated that precipitation during the vulnerable growth phase exceeded historical decadal averages.
Answer
Viral pathogen matches the absence of exogenous genetic material; soil depletion matches the robust nutrient assays; fungal root rot matches the intact subterranean vascular systems; and drought matches the above-average precipitation data.
In an argument by elimination, competing hypotheses are systematically ruled out by introducing specific premises that contradict a necessary condition of each hypothesis. Each correct pair perfectly matches a hypothesis with the unique piece of evidence that logically falsifies it.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Argument by Elimination