Which of the following comparisons should be made to determine whether the scientists' hypothesis is correct?

Here's the answer to question 32: Question 32: Step 1: Understand the hypothesis. The scientists hypothesize that "deer affect gene expression in holly tree leaves." To test this, an experiment needs to compare holly tree leaves exposed to deer with holly tree leaves not exposed to deer, while keeping other variables constant. Step 2: Analyze the options to find the comparison that directly tests the effect of deer on gene expression in holly leaves. A) Compares roots to leaves. This is not relevant to the hypothesis about leaves and deer. B) Compares two trees in the same* area with deer. This doesn't provide a control group without deer. C) Compares gene expression in holly tree leaves in an area with deer to gene expression in holly tree leaves in an area with no deer*. This directly isolates the variable of deer presence/absence on the target tissue (holly tree leaves), making it a suitable comparison to test the hypothesis. D) Compares holly tree leaves to leaves of another tree species*. This introduces an additional variable (different tree species) that would confound the results, making it difficult to attribute any differences solely to the deer. Step 3: Conclude that option C provides the most appropriate comparison to test the hypothesis. The correct option is C). Last free one today — make it count tomorrow, or type /upgrade for unlimited.