Final answer:
The student is instructed to use a simulation to gather data on bird predation of moths with eye spots, which would provide evidence to support or refute their initial hypothesis. After analyzing the results, a decision and a conclusion should be stated clearly. Subsequent discussion questions help explore the relationship between data and theoretical expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question relates to the evidence gathering process in a scientific investigation, specifically through the use of a simulation to study moths with eye spots and bird predation. To test the prediction that birds avoid moths with eye spots, one would use the simulation to gather data on bird behavior in the presence of various moth types. If the simulation shows that birds indeed tend to avoid moths with eye spots, the evidence supports the hypothesis, and you would then state your decision based on this data. Following this, you would state your conclusion in a complete sentence, for example, 'Birds are less likely to prey on moths with eye spots, confirming the hypothesis.'
Upon reviewing the data and answering the discussion questions, you may find that the actual conclusions differ from those predicted in Question 2. If so, this prompts a discussion on why there is a discrepancy, whether it may be due to statistical data, variability in simulations, or observational error. Thinking critically about the fit between the collected data and the theoretical distribution will further deepen the understanding of the scientific method. This includes justification of the data selection (4.1), use of population data to predict future outcomes (1.22), and evaluating evidence in relation to the scientific question at hand (5.3 and 6.1).