In the Study of Leaf Decomposition in a Stream in Germany

question 63

Multiple Choice

In the study of leaf decomposition in a stream in Germany using leaf litter enclosed in either fine- or large-mesh bags, researchers found that decomposition was strongly affected by

• A) invertebrates and lignin content.
• B) vertebrates and lignin content.
• C) nitrogen and phosphorus.
• D) lignin and phosphorus.

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Definitions:

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that states there is no effect or no difference, serving as the default assumption in hypothesis testing until evidence suggests otherwise.

Alternative Hypothesis

A hypothesis that contradicts the null hypothesis and is usually what the researcher aims to prove.

Average Number

This term often refers to the arithmetic mean, which is calculated by summing all numbers in a set and dividing by the count of those numbers.

Type II Error

A statistical error that occurs when a false null hypothesis is not rejected, also known as a "false negative" finding.