Question

33.

A student was comparing preserved specimens of
three plant species, X, Y, and Z, in a classroom.
Which statement is an example of an observation
the student could have made and not an inference?
A. The leaves produced by plant X are 4 cm
across and 8 cm in length.
B.
Plant Y has large purple flowers that open at
night.
C. Plant X produces many seeds that are highly
attractive to finches.
D. The flowers of plant Z are poisonous to
household pets.

Answer 1

An observation that the student could have made without making an inference is the size of the leaves produced by plant X.

Step-by-step explanation:

An observation that the student could have made without making an inference is:

1. The leaves produced by plant X are 4 cm across and 8 cm in length.

An inference, on the other hand, would involve making a conclusion based on the observation. For example, if the student observed that plant X produces many seeds that are highly attractive to finches, it would be an inference to conclude that the plant has evolved this trait to attract birds for pollination.

Learn more about Observation and Inference in Plant Comparison