Question

the following statement is identified as what according to the scientific method? the number of deformed frogs in five ponds that are polluted with chemical x is higher than the number of deformed frogs in five ponds without chemical x.

a \t hypothesis

b \t theory

c \t prediction

d \t scientific question

Explanation:

1. A hypothesis is a testable prediction or statement about a relationship between variables. Here, the statement predicts a relationship between chemical X pollution and the number of deformed frogs.
2. A theory is a well - supported, broad explanation of a phenomenon (not a specific prediction like this).
3. A prediction is often more about what will happen in a specific experiment, but this statement is a proposed relationship to be tested, which fits the definition of a hypothesis better.
4. A scientific question would be in the form of a question (e.g., "Is the number of deformed frogs higher in polluted ponds?"), not a declarative statement.

Answer:

c. prediction

Wait, no, let's re - evaluate:

Wait, actually, a prediction is what you expect to observe if a hypothesis is true. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or a statement of a relationship that can be tested. The statement "The number of deformed frogs in five ponds that are polluted with chemical X is higher than the number of deformed frogs in five ponds without chemical X" is a prediction of what will be observed when comparing the two groups of ponds. A hypothesis might be "Chemical X causes an increase in the number of deformed frogs", and the prediction is the observable outcome from testing that hypothesis.

But let's check the definitions again:

• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, a tentative statement that can be tested. It's more about the cause - effect relationship. For example, "Chemical X causes an increase in frog deformities."
• Prediction: A statement of what will happen under specific conditions (like in an experiment). The given statement is about what will be observed (number of deformed frogs in polluted vs non - polluted ponds), so it's a prediction.

• Theory: A well - substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts.
• Scientific question: A question that can be investigated scientifically, e.g., "Does chemical X increase the number of deformed frogs?"

So the correct answer is c. prediction.