Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues that the fall is chiefly due to the invasive Silver-fern, which releases a chemical that disrupts the beetles' reproductive cycle. Scientist 2 argues that it is caused by a steady rise in average summer temperature at the ridge, which has dried the soil where the beetles lay their eggs. What does Scientist 1 claim is behind the fall in numbers?

A chemical given off by a plant that does not belong there.

A dip that will correct itself once conditions steady.

Soil that has dried out over a run of warm summers.

Birds at the ridge taking more beetles than before.

Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues that the fall is chiefly due to the invasive Silver-fern, which releases a chemical that disrupts the beetles' reproductive cycle. Scientist 2 argues that it is caused by a steady rise in average summer temperature at the ridge, which has dried the soil where the beetles lay their eggs. What do Scientist 1 and Scientist 2 both accept?

That the Glider-beetle population at the ridge has fallen by 40 percent.

That the soil at the ridge has held its moisture for five years.

That nothing in the environment affects how well the beetles breed.

That the Silver-fern is what is chiefly driving the fall.

Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues that the fall is chiefly due to the invasive Silver-fern, which releases a chemical that disrupts the beetles' reproductive cycle. Scientist 2 argues that it is caused by a steady rise in average summer temperature at the ridge, which has dried the soil where the beetles lay their eggs. Which question would the two scientists answer differently?

Is what is driving the fall a living thing or a change in the climate?

Has anything about conditions at the ridge changed in that time?

Can conditions at a site affect how many Glider-beetles survive there?

Have Glider-beetle numbers at the ridge changed over the last five years?

Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues that the fall is chiefly due to the invasive Silver-fern, which releases a chemical that disrupts the beetles' reproductive cycle. Scientist 2 argues that it is caused by a steady rise in average summer temperature at the ridge, which has dried the soil where the beetles lay their eggs. Suppose it were found that at three sites with no Silver-fern at all, but with the same rise in summer temperature, Glider-beetle numbers had fallen by 15 percent over the same five years. What would this finding do to the two positions?

It would strengthen Scientist 1's position, since the fall is smaller there.

It would bear on neither position, since those sites are not Zephyr Ridge.

It would refute Scientist 1's position outright.

It would strengthen Scientist 2's position without emptying Scientist 1's.

Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues that the fall is chiefly due to the invasive Silver-fern, which releases a chemical that disrupts the beetles' reproductive cycle. Scientist 2 argues that it is caused by a steady rise in average summer temperature at the ridge, which has dried the soil where the beetles lay their eggs. What would Scientist 2 most likely say about the Silver-fern?

That it helps the beetles by shading the soil and keeping it damp.

That it has grown at the ridge for as long as the beetles have.

That whatever else it does, it is not what is driving the decline.

That it is the chief cause of the decline, as Scientist 1 says.

Ten questions on two invented disputes: what each scientist claims, what they both accept, the single question that divides them, and what a new finding…10 questions • ZestlySample questions:• Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues…• Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues…• Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues…• Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues…• Observations at Zephyr Ridge show that the local population of Glider-beetles has fallen by 40 percent over five years. Scientist 1 argues…• In the caverns of Echo Deep, bioluminescent moss growth has fallen by 25 percent since artificial lighting was installed. Scientist A holds…• In the caverns of Echo Deep, bioluminescent moss growth has fallen by 25 percent since artificial lighting was installed. Scientist A holds…• In the caverns of Echo Deep, bioluminescent moss growth has fallen by 25 percent since artificial lighting was installed. Scientist A holds…Want to check what you know — or test someone else?Create your own quiz

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