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Question

Difficulty: MediumCommand of Evidence: Textual

Ecologist Dr. Nia Brooks and her team investigated the nesting habits of eastern gray squirrels (*Sciurus carolinensis*) in urban parks. The researchers hypothesized that urban squirrels select nesting sites primarily to minimize exposure to loud, low-frequency city noise, rather than choosing sites based on proximity to food sources. To test this, the team mapped the locations of squirrel nests and food resources in several urban parks, measuring ambient noise levels at various heights and locations. Which choice, if true, would most directly support the researchers' hypothesis?

  1. A
    Squirrels nesting in the quietest areas of the parks exhibited lower levels of stress hormones than squirrels nesting near busy streets.
  2. Urban squirrels nested predominantly in tree species that significantly block low-frequency sounds, even when those trees were located in areas of the park with sparse food resources.Answer
  3. C
    The average size and composition of squirrel nests in urban parks were found to be nearly identical to those of nests in nearby rural forests.
  4. D
    The majority of squirrel nests were found in trees that were close to primary food sources, regardless of the ambient noise levels in those areas.

Answer

Urban squirrels nested predominantly in tree species that significantly block low-frequency sounds, even when those trees were located in areas of the park with sparse food resources.
The correct answer provides direct support for the hypothesis by showing a clear preference for nesting sites that minimize noise (trees that block low-frequency sound) even when it conflicts with the other factor (being located in areas with sparse food resources). This directly demonstrates that noise reduction was prioritized over food proximity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the researchers' main hypothesis from the passage.
The hypothesis is that urban squirrels select nesting sites primarily to minimize exposure to loud, low-frequency city noise rather than prioritizing proximity to food sources.
Understanding the specific relationship being tested is necessary to evaluate which evidence supports it.
2
Determine what kind of evidence would support this hypothesis.
Evidence must show squirrels choosing sites based on their noise-blocking properties, even if that choice comes at the expense of proximity to food resources.
This establishes the logical criteria that the correct answer choice must meet.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that matches these criteria.
The finding that squirrels nest in noise-blocking trees even when food is scarce in those areas directly demonstrates this trade-off.
Comparing the options reveals which choice provides the direct textual support required.

Key Concept

Evaluating textual evidence to support a scientific claim
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Topics

Command of Evidence: Textual

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