Final answer:
A writer might include a historical point of reference in a scientific article to help readers recall existing knowledge on the subject, making the new scientific discovery or innovation more understandable and showing its significance in the broader narrative of scientific progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason a writer would include a historical point of reference in an article about a scientific discovery or innovation is B) to help readers recall what they already know about the topic. Historical contexts provide a background that can make the new information more understandable and relatable. They act as a bridge between the new scientific concept and the knowledge the reader may already possess. Furthermore, historical references can also show the development and progression of scientific thought leading up to the current discovery, illustrating how the new innovation fits into a larger narrative.
For example, when discussing the innovation of CRISPR gene-editing technology, referencing the history of genetic discoveries, beginning with Gregor Mendel's work on inheritance patterns in pea plants, can help readers comprehend the significance of the new advances in the context of the evolution of genetic science.