Question

many insects are iridescent, or have colors that appear to shimmer and change when seen from different angles. scientists have assumed that this feature helps to attract mates but could also attract predators. but biologist karin kjernsmo and a team had the idea that the shifting appearance of colors might actually make it harder for other animals to see iridescent insects. to test this idea, the team put beetle forewings on leaves along a forest path and then asked human participants to look for them. some of the wings were naturally iridescent. others were painted with a nonchanging color from the iridescent spectrum, such as purple or blue. 11 which finding, if true, would most directly support the teams idea? a on average, participants found most of the purple wings and blue wings and far fewer of the iridescent wings. b on average, participants found the iridescent wings faster than they found the purple wings or blue wings. c some participants reported that the purple wings were easier to see than the blue wings. d some participants successfully found all of the wings on the leaves.

Explanation:

The team's idea is that the shifting appearance of colors in iridescent insects makes it harder for other animals to see them. Option A shows that on average, participants found far fewer iridescent wings compared to non - iridescent purple and blue wings, which directly supports the idea that iridescent colors make insects harder to see. Options B, C, and D do not support the idea that iridescence makes insects harder to see.

Answer:

A. On average, participants found most of the purple wings and blue wings and far fewer of the iridescent wings.