Question

Some researchers are developing a new fertilizer designed to improve the growth of plants in hot, dry climates. The fertilizer was applied to one hundred desert plants in a greenhouse. The average daytime temperature in the greenhouse was 90°F, and the humidity levels were low. Which is best for the researchers to do next?

Answer 1

See the answer below

Step-by-step explanation:

A compare plants that received fertilizer to similar plants that received none

B begin selling the fertilizer to gardeners living in hot, dry climates

C change the conditions in the greenhouse and retest the fertilizer

D test the fertilizer on plants that are adapted to cooler climates

The best thing to do next for the researcher would be to compare plants that received fertilizer to similar plants that did not receive the fertilizer in order to be able to arrive at an inference of whether the fertilizer is effective or not.

Without comparison, the researchers cannot attribute whatever they observe in the plants to just the effects of the fertilizer. There should be a control group of plants that would be subjected to the same conditions except for the addition of the fertilizer. Whatever differences that are observed in the growth of the two plant groups can then be effectively attributed to the fertilizer.

The correct option is A.