Question

a scientist examines a fossil. which is not an observation? *
the fossil is embedded in limestone
the fossil is 12 inches long
the fossil is from a carnivorous animal
the fossil has a distinctive pattern

when studying animal behavior, which statement represents an observation?
the lion is hunting because its hungry
the lion is crouching in the tall grass
the lion will catch its prey soon
the lion is planning its attack

Explanation:

First Question (A scientist examines a fossil. Which is NOT an observation?)

An observation is a description of what is directly seen or measured. "The fossil is embedded in limestone", "The fossil is 12 inches long", and "The fossil has a distinctive pattern" are direct observations. "The fossil is from a carnivorous animal" is an inference (a conclusion based on interpretation, not direct observation) as we can't directly see the animal's diet from the fossil alone.

An observation is a factual, direct description of behavior. "The lion is crouching in the tall grass" is a direct observation of what the lion is doing. "The lion is hunting because it's hungry" (inference about motivation), "The lion will catch its prey soon" (prediction), and "The lion is planning its attack" (inference about mental state) are not direct observations.

Answer:

The fossil is from a carnivorous animal

Second Question (When studying animal behavior, which statement represents an observation?)