Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyCommand of Evidence: Textual

Biologist Dr. Kenji Sato and his team studied the growth patterns of giant kelp (*Macrocystis pyrifera*) off the coast of California. Sato hypothesized that colder water temperatures promote faster growth in giant kelp than warmer temperatures do. To test this hypothesis, the team monitored several kelp forests at varying water temperatures over a six-month period. Which finding from the team's study, if true, would most directly support Sato’s hypothesis?

  1. A
    Giant kelp specimens grown in water temperatures of 20∘C20^\circ\text{C} grew significantly taller over the six-month period than specimens grown in water temperatures of 12∘C12^\circ\text{C}.
  2. Giant kelp specimens grown in water temperatures of 12∘C12^\circ\text{C} grew significantly taller over the six-month period than specimens grown in water temperatures of 20∘C20^\circ\text{C}.Answer
  3. C
    Giant kelp specimens grown in colder water temperatures had the same chemical composition as specimens grown in warmer water temperatures.
  4. D
    Colder water currents are generally more common in northern regions, suggesting that giant kelp may have originated in colder climates.

Answer

The finding that giant kelp specimens grew significantly taller in 12∘C12^\circ\text{C} water than in 20∘C20^\circ\text{C} water.
The correct answer directly supports the hypothesis by providing data showing that giant kelp grew taller in the colder temperature condition (12∘C12^\circ\text{C}) than in the warmer temperature condition (20∘C20^\circ\text{C}).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the researcher's hypothesis from the passage.
The researcher hypothesized that colder water temperatures promote faster growth in giant kelp compared to warmer water temperatures.
Understanding the specific relationship being tested is necessary to evaluate which finding supports it.
2
Evaluate the choices to find one that demonstrates faster kelp growth in colder water than in warmer water.
The finding that kelp grew taller at 12∘C12^\circ\text{C} (colder) than at 20∘C20^\circ\text{C} (warmer) directly shows faster growth in cooler conditions.
This direct comparison of growth rates at different temperatures provides empirical support for the hypothesis.

Key Concept

Identifying textual evidence that supports a scientific claim.
Rate this question

Topics

Command of Evidence: Textual

More questions from this topic