An ecologist is conducting a field study on primates to investigate the effects of a virus on population health. He observes that infected primates that eat more of certain plants have longer lifespans. After years of collecting data, he begins to enter his data into a database. Which statements best describe the steps he still needs to carry out in order for this study to be useful to other scientists?
Answer
A
He needs to make more observations, compare these observations to his hypothesis, and then publish his results. His findings could help zoologists develop vaccines for primates.
B
He needs to summarize his data, then analyze errors and make a conclusion based on his hypothesis. His findings could help doctors treat humans with the same disease.
C
He needs to compare his hypothesis to the original question, then form a conclusion and write a lab report of his results. His findings could help biologists develop new vaccines.
D
He needs to analyze his data, then form a conclusion related to his hypothesis and publish his findings in a journal. His findings could help biologists develop new medications.
Explanation
After entering the data, the ecologist should analyze it to determine whether the observations support the hypothesis that eating certain plants is associated with longer lifespans in infected primates. He should then draw a conclusion related to that hypothesis and publish the findings in a journal so other scientists can evaluate and use them. This matches choice D, which also notes that the findings could help biologists develop new medications.
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