Ecologist Dr. Clara Mercer studied the nesting habits of Eastern Gray Squirrels (*Sciurus carolinensis*) in different environments. Mercer claimed that squirrels nesting in busy urban parks, which have high levels of human foot traffic, build their nests much higher up in trees than squirrels nesting in quiet suburban areas do, in order to stay safe from ground-level disturbances. Which choice, if true, would most directly support Mercer's claim?
- ASquirrels in both urban parks and suburban areas construct their nests using similar materials, such as leaves and twigs.
- BSquirrels nesting in urban parks successfully raise more offspring each year than squirrels nesting in suburban areas do.
- A study found that the average nest height of squirrels in busy urban parks was 15 meters, compared to 8 meters for squirrels in quiet suburban areas.Answer
- DGround-level human disturbances in urban parks have decreased significantly over the past ten years due to new park rules.
Answer
The finding that the average nest height of squirrels in busy urban parks was 15 meters, compared to 8 meters for squirrels in quiet suburban areas.
The correct answer supports the claim because it provides direct observational data showing that squirrels in busy urban parks build nests at a higher average height (15 meters) than those in quiet suburban areas (8 meters).
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