Botanist Dr. Clara Sterling investigated the defense mechanisms of *Acacia* shrubs against herbivores. Sterling hypothesized that *Acacia* shrubs growing in soil with high phosphorus levels produce higher concentrations of chemical deterrents, making them less attractive to goats than shrubs growing in phosphorus-deficient soil.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support Sterling's hypothesis?
- Goats in a controlled environment consumed significantly less foliage from *Acacia* shrubs grown in high-phosphorus soil than from those grown in phosphorus-deficient soil.Answer
- B*Acacia* shrubs grown in high-phosphorus soil produced more seeds and grew taller than shrubs grown in phosphorus-deficient soil.
- CGoats that graze on *Acacia* shrubs in regions with phosphorus-deficient soil require longer resting periods to digest their food.
- D*Acacia* shrubs growing in phosphorus-deficient soil attract a wider variety of insect species than shrubs growing in high-phosphorus soil.
Answer
Goats in a controlled environment consumed significantly less foliage from *Acacia* shrubs grown in high-phosphorus soil than from those grown in phosphorus-deficient soil.
The correct answer supports the hypothesis by providing direct evidence that goats avoid or eat less of the *Acacia* shrubs grown in soil with high phosphorus levels. Since the hypothesis claims that high-phosphorus soil leads to chemical deterrents that make the plants less attractive to goats, a finding showing goats consuming less of these plants directly validates the claim.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Identifying textual evidence that supports a scientific hypothesis.