In Colorado subalpine meadows, nonnative dandelions co-occur with a native flower, the larkspur. Bumblebees visit both species, creating the potential for interactions between the two species with respect to pollination. In a recent study, researchers selected 16 plots containing both species; all dandelions were removed �om eight plots; the remaining eight control plots were left undisturbed. The control plots yielded significantly more larkspur seeds than the dandelion-free plots, leading the researchers to conclude that the presence of dandelions facilitates pollination (and hence seed production) in the native species by attracting more pollinators to the mixed plots.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the researchers' reasoning?
A. Bumblebees preferentially visit dandelions over larkspurs in mixed plots.
B. In mixed plots, pollinators can transfer pollen from one species to another to augment seed production.
C. If left unchecked, nonnative species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.
D. Seed germination is a more reliable measure of a species' �tness than seed production.
E. Soil disturbances can result in fewer blooms, and hence lower seed production.
The OA is E
[spoiler]I got the answer using Cause and Effect. Is this the correct way to do ? Dandelions Cause Pollination =This inherently assumes that without Dandelion there is no Pollination. To weaken it there might be an alternative Cause. OA E clearly says that Soil disturbances might be another reason[/spoiler]. I would like to know whether my way of doing this question is correct?
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the researchers' reasoning?
A. Bumblebees preferentially visit dandelions over larkspurs in mixed plots.
B. In mixed plots, pollinators can transfer pollen from one species to another to augment seed production.
C. If left unchecked, nonnative species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.
D. Seed germination is a more reliable measure of a species' �tness than seed production.
E. Soil disturbances can result in fewer blooms, and hence lower seed production.
The OA is E
[spoiler]I got the answer using Cause and Effect. Is this the correct way to do ? Dandelions Cause Pollination =This inherently assumes that without Dandelion there is no Pollination. To weaken it there might be an alternative Cause. OA E clearly says that Soil disturbances might be another reason[/spoiler]. I would like to know whether my way of doing this question is correct?
