Question

1. the following statement is identified as what according to the scientific method? the number of deformed frogs in five ponds that are polluted with chemical x is higher than the number of deformed frogs in five ponds without chemical x. a hypothesis b theory c prediction d scientific question

Explanation:

1. Analyze option a (hypothesis): A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or a testable prediction. But here, the statement is a specific prediction about the outcome of observing deformed frogs in polluted vs non - polluted ponds. A hypothesis is more of a general proposed relationship, like "Chemical X causes an increase in frog deformities", while this is a specific prediction of what will be observed.
2. Analyze option b (theory): A theory is a well - substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of facts. This statement is not a well - substantiated explanation but a prediction of an observation.
3. Analyze option c (prediction): A prediction is a statement of what one expects to observe under specific conditions. Here, we expect to see more deformed frogs in ponds with chemical X than without, which is a prediction about the results of an observation (counting deformed frogs in different ponds).
4. Analyze option d (scientific question): A scientific question is a question that can be investigated, like "Does chemical X affect the number of deformed frogs?". The given statement is not a question but a statement of an expected outcome.

Answer:

c. prediction