Your garden is growing strong because of the above-average amount of rainfall this season. You observe that there are more ladybugs in your garden this year than there were at the same time last year. Which explanation is the most valid?
Answer
A
The neighbor said that she read that ladybugs tend to appear when the weather is warmer.
B
A person on the news said that this would be a year with high numbers of ladybugs.
C
You learned in science class that insect populations may increase over time.
D
A gardening book you read cited data showing that ladybug numbers tend to increase in years with lots of rainfall.
Explanation
The strongest explanation is the one supported by evidence that directly connects rainfall with ladybug numbers. Choice D cites data showing that ladybug numbers tend to increase in years with lots of rainfall, matching the above-average rainfall and the increase you observed. The other choices rely on hearsay or a general statement rather than evidence tied to this situation.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.