Which of the following statements best describes the difference in approach to studying the environment by early naturalists compared to present-day ecologists?
A)Early naturalists employed a descriptive approach; present-day ecologists generate hypotheses, design experiments, and draw conclusions from their observations.
B)Early naturalists manipulated the environment and observed changes in plant and animal populations, while modern ecology focuses on population dynamics.
C)Early naturalists systematically recorded what they observed in their environment; modern ecology is only concerned with man's impact on the environment.
D)Early naturalists were interested with man's interaction with the natural world; present-day ecologists seek to link ecology to developmental biology.
E)Early naturalists were interested in interactions between organisms and their environment; present day ecologists are interested in interactions between organisms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Early naturalists focused on descriptive observation and often did not generate hypotheses or design experiments. Modern ecologists conduct rigorous experimental design and hypothesis testing in their research.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Difference in Approach