A Species of Moth Lays Eggs on Oak Trees in Spring

question 48

Multiple Choice

A species of moth lays eggs on oak trees in spring and summer. Spring caterpillars eat oak flowers and look like oak flowers. Summer caterpillars eat oak leaves and look like twigs. To investigate how the same population of moths can produce such variable caterpillars, a researcher collected eggs from a population of moths and allowed them to hatch and grow under the conditions shown in the table below.

Which of the following statements is NOT a testable hypothesis in the described experiment?

• A) Food type determines the different caterpillar morphologies.
• B) Day length determines the different caterpillar morphologies.
• C) Temperature determines the different caterpillar morphologies.
• D) The food eaten by the female parent as a caterpillar determines the different caterpillar morphologies.

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Definitions:

Absolute Value Equation

An equation that contains an absolute value expression, representing the distance of a number from zero on the real number line.

Set Notation

A standardized method of describing or defining a set by clearly specifying its elements or the properties that its members must satisfy.

Absolute Value Inequality

An inequality that involves the absolute value of a variable expression and defines a range of solutions.

Solution

A quantity or array of quantities that solve an equation, inequality, or simultaneous equations.