Question

jessica metcalf conducted some of her research by placing bodies outdoors in different seasons. this was necessary to
a identify differences between the bodies of mice and humans.
b determine if bodies placed in sheds decompose at a slower rate.
c learn how temperature can affect the timeline of decomposers.
d identify new opportunities to conduct experiments in the natural world.

Explanation:

Different seasons have distinct temperature variations, and decomposition rates are heavily influenced by temperature (which impacts decomposer activity). Jessica Metcalf's work focuses on decomposition timelines, so testing across seasons targets temperature's effect on decomposer timelines. Option A is irrelevant as the experiment uses human bodies, not mice. Option B does not involve seasonal variation. Option D is not the core scientific goal of this controlled research.

Answer:

C. learn how temperature can affect the timeline of decomposers.