Question

read the paragraph, then choose the word that best completes the sentence. a rover explored a crater on mars and found several signs that the planet once had water. the crater contained a shiny mineral called hematite. on earth, this mineral is formed in water. also, the bedrock in the crater wall was layered, suggesting that the wall was eroded by wind, water, or volcanic lava flows. the rover studied one rock in the crater “el capitan.” the rock had pockmarks, similar to those an earth rock would develop in the presence of salt. scientists ______ that water was present on mars. a implied b disputed c concluded d cautioned submit question 34

Explanation:

The paragraph lists multiple pieces of evidence (presence of hematite, layered bedrock, pockmarks on rock) that lead to a definite statement about water on Mars. "Concluded" is the appropriate word as it implies a decision or judgment based on evidence. "Implied" is too subtle, "disputed" goes against the evidence - based nature, and "cautioned" is not relevant here.

Answer:

C. concluded