Question

Populations of amphibians, including frogs and toads, have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity. A recent study investigated whether problems among the populations have arisen due to poisons from chemicals associated with agriculture. Biologists from the University of Florida collected local adult cane toads (Bufomarinus) from more than 20 different locations. Toads were collected from areas close to agriculture; both large-scale and small-scale farms as well as from suburbs. At collection sites where 50-97% of the adjacent land was farmed, males showed high levels of feminization. Feminized male toads were similar in color to females and had lower levels of testosterone and often also deformed gonads. These changes can lead to sterile males or changes in behavior that prevent mating from occurring. Which of the following statements would be considered a hypothesis for this study?

A. Amphibian populations are facing problems due to agricultural chemicals.
B. Toxins are causing diseases and deformities within many amphibian populations.
C. Toads collected from suburbs had fewer deformities compared to toads collected from agricultural areas.
D.Agricultural chemicals cause deformities and feminization amongst cane toads.
E. More male toads from the large-scale agricultural areas showed signs of feminization.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hypothesis refers to a suggested explanation for an occurrence. In order for a hypothesis to be considered as a scientific hypothesis, there is a need for the one to test it as a general principle of a scientific method. In a procedure starting with an educated thought or guess, a working hypothesis refers to a provisionally accepted hypothesis considered for further research.

In the given case, it is suggested that the chemicals used in agricultural fields are causing an increased level of feminization in male cane toads, which is making them infertile or is generating behavior that is preventing them from mating. Thus, the correct hypothesis for the study in the given case is option D.

Answer 2

A. Amphibian populations are facing problems due to agricultural chemicals.

Step-by-step explanation:

since the observation of the scientist started with frogs and toads, they observed that these animals have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity, the study need to compare at least two possible points in which they can get the disease. That is the reason why the scientist collect from the suburbs but also from farms (large scale and small scale).