Final answer:
The research was scientific because the scientists asked a testable question and their claim was supported by evidence. Therefore, the correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option that identifies why this research was scientific is option 1. The scientists' question was testable, and their claim was based on evidence. In this scenario, the scientists conducted an experiment by giving some lab rats a higher amount of a certain vitamin and some rats not. They then tracked the rats' health and lifespan. By comparing the rats with access to the vitamin and those without, the scientists were able to generate evidence that supported their claim that the vitamin improved the rats' health and longevity.