Dr. Burkholder hypothesized that Pfiesteria was associated with the massive die-offs of estuarine fish. Her hypothesis was supported when
A)Pfiesteria was shown to be capable of living within the climatic ranges of North Carolina.
B)a predicted increase in Pfiesteria populations coincided with a fish die-off.
C)new observations revealed Pfiesteria could kill laboratory fish.
D)a virulent toxin was isolated from Pfiesteria cultures grown in the laboratory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hypothesis that Pfiesteria was associated with fish die-offs was supported when a predicted increase in Pfiesteria populations coincided with a fish die-off. This observational evidence suggested that there was a correlation between Pfiesteria and fish mortality.

Answer: C
 The hypothesis that Pfiesteria was associated with fish die-offs was supported when new observations revealed that Pfiesteria could kill laboratory fish. This experimental evidence suggested that there was a causal relationship between Pfiesteria and fish mortality.

Answer: D
 The hypothesis that Pfiesteria was associated with fish die-offs was supported when a virulent toxin was isolated from Pfiesteria cultures grown in the laboratory. This biochemical evidence suggested that Pfiesteria was capable of producing a toxin that could cause fish mortality.

Dr Burkholder Hypothesized That Pfiesteria Was Associated with the Massive