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

Explanation:

The paragraph describes evidence - hematite formation in water on Earth, erosion signs, and pockmarks - leading scientists to a definite result. "Concluded" means to come to a final decision or judgment based on evidence, which fits the context as scientists made a determination about water on Mars from the rover's findings. "Implied" means to suggest without directly stating, which is not appropriate as the evidence led to a clear conclusion. "Disputed" means to argue about, which is not indicated. "Cautioned" means to warn, which is also not relevant here.

Answer:

C. concluded