Question

conlan wants to answer the question, \does phosphorus affect tomato fruit production?\ which statement represents a hypothesis that he can test to answer his question?

• if phosphorus affects tomato fruit production, then tomatoes that are fertilized with phosphorus will have larger leaves.
• if phosphorus affects tomato fruit production, then phosphorus should be added to the soil during planting.
• if phosphorus affects tomato fruit production, then adding phosphorus to the soil will make tomatoes taste better.
• if phosphorus affects tomato fruit production, then plants that are fertilized with phosphorus will produce more tomatoes.

Explanation:

A hypothesis should relate the independent variable (phosphorus) to the dependent variable (tomato fruit production). Let's analyze each option:

• The first option relates phosphorus to leaf size, not fruit production.
• The second option is a recommendation, not a testable prediction about fruit production.
• The third option relates phosphorus to taste, not fruit production.
• The fourth option predicts that phosphorus - fertilized plants will produce more tomatoes, which directly relates to fruit production.

Answer:

D. If phosphorus affects tomato fruit production, then plants that are fertilized with phosphorus will produce more tomatoes.