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Information and IdeasMediumFinding supporting a claim about a cause

Information and Ideas practice question

A hydrologist claims that the lake's summer algal blooms are caused mainly by fertiliser washed in from the farms on its northern shore.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the hydrologist's claim?

  1. A. Nutrient levels in the lake peak each year in the fortnight after the northern farms spread fertiliser, and are highest at the northern inflow.Correct
  2. B. Algae grow faster in warm water.
  3. C. The lake has farms on its northern shore.
  4. D. Some lakes without nearby farms also have blooms.

Answer: A. Nutrient levels in the lake peak each year in the fortnight after the northern farms spread fertiliser, and are highest at the northern inflow.

Timing and location both point to the northern farms.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Algae grow faster in warm water.
A general fact; it doesn't link the blooms to the farms.
C. The lake has farms on its northern shore.
The premise, not evidence.
D. Some lakes without nearby farms also have blooms.
Weakens rather than supports.

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