Set 12: Command of Evidence
Explanation
PASSAGE
A scientist hypothesizes that plants grown in blue light will grow taller than those grown in red light because blue light promotes vegetative growth while red light encourages flowering. To test this, she grows two groups of bean plants under controlled conditions, identical except for the light source.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the scientist's hypothesis?
Detailed Explanation
This question requires you to identify evidence that supports a claim. **Choice A is the best answer.** The hypothesis is that 'plants grown in blue light will grow taller.' If the plants in *red* light grow taller, the hypothesis is directly contradicted and weakened. Choice B supports the hypothesis (red light encourages flowering). Choice C is irrelevant to height. Choice D is irrelevant to height.Match specific textual details or data points to the claim being made. The correct answer provides clear, direct support. Strong evidence directly addresses the claim without requiring additional interpretation. When evaluating options, look for quotes or data that explicitly support the statement. Weak evidence may be tangentially related but doesn't provide direct proof.
Key Evidence:
• "hypothesizes that plants grown in blue light will grow taller"
Why others are wrong: B (Supports hypothesis), C (Irrelevant), D (Irrelevant).
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