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Information and IdeasMediumInference from an experiment's control

Information and Ideas practice question

Botanists grew two trays of the same seedlings under identical light and water, but played recorded birdsong to one tray for an hour each day. After six weeks the plants in both trays were the same height, with the same number of leaves. This suggests that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the birdsong had no measurable effect on the seedlings' growth.Correct
  2. B. birdsong harms seedlings.
  3. C. the seedlings could not hear the recording.
  4. D. light and water have no effect on growth.

Answer: A. the birdsong had no measurable effect on the seedlings' growth.

One difference between trays, no difference in outcome: no effect.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. birdsong harms seedlings.
Harm would show as smaller plants; they were the same.
C. the seedlings could not hear the recording.
Whether plants 'hear' isn't tested; only the growth outcome is.
D. light and water have no effect on growth.
Light and water were the same for both, so the experiment says nothing about them.

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