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?
- ASquirrels nesting in the quietest areas of the parks exhibited lower levels of stress hormones than squirrels nesting near busy streets.
- 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.Cevap
- CThe average size and composition of squirrel nests in urban parks were found to be nearly identical to those of nests in nearby rural forests.
- DThe majority of squirrel nests were found in trees that were close to primary food sources, regardless of the ambient noise levels in those areas.
Cevap
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.
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