Question

Scientists tracking the populations of certain fresh water fish have found an increase in the female to male ratio of several smaller fish species over the last ten years. One group of scientists have analyzed the data and hypothesized that medications in waste water have contributed to this change in fish populations. Another group of scientists have hypothesized that this population trend is part of a cycle related to climate and ecosystem changes.

Answer 1

If these two groups of scientists have access to the same population data, why have they formed two very different hypotheses?
Select one:
a. A hypothesis is an educated guess that is not based on scientific data.
b. The hypothesis does not matter as much as the resulting experiments and data.
c. Scientists interpret data in different ways to meet different agendas and goals.
d. The scientists' varied backgrounds and specialties can influence their hypotheses.

Answer 2

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