Question

1. based on your findings, which theory about alien thickness seems most valid or most accurate?

alien thickness is mainly affected by sunlight. the thickness may be used as a way to shield out the sunlight.
alien thickness is mainly affected by temperature. this may be because aliens become dehydrated (lose water) at higher temperatures and become thinner.
alien thickness is mainly affected by temperature. the greater thickness at lower temperatures may be used as a way to stay warmer in colder weather.
alien thickness seems to change at random. it does not seem to be affected by the environment.

1. based on the data you found, about how many of the 100 aliens would become thin if the temperature were 35°c?

fewer than 10
about 50
about 80
more than 90

1. when scientists are doing research to determine how the environment affects a life - form, it often takes many years to reach a conclusion. why do you think that is the case?

many environmental factors must be considered (water, light, and temperature were just three that were investigated in this simulation)
many tests must be performed because variables need to be tested one at a time (first test for water effects, then test for light effects, etc.)
some effects take a long time to become noticed, so the experiments often have to take place over long periods of time.
all of the above

Explanation:

1. Creatures often develop physical - characteristics to adapt to temperature. Thicker layers can help stay warm in cold weather, which is a reasonable adaptation theory.
2. Assuming aliens become thinner at higher temperatures, at 35°C, a high temperature, most of them (more than 90) would likely become thin.
3. When studying environmental effects on life - forms, multiple factors need to be considered, multiple tests are required with variables tested one - by - one, and some effects take time to be noticed, so all the reasons are valid.

Answer:

1. Alien thickness is mainly affected by temperature. The greater thickness at lower temperatures may be used as a way to stay warmer in colder weather.
2. more than 90
3. All of the above