Question

a study compared paired daytime and nighttime counts of sea trout, lake trout, and rainbow trout made by the same divers in six lakes during september 2015. overall, they counted 127 trout during the day and 356 trout at night. the researchers speculate that trout counted at night were present during the daytime, but were hidden from view. biologists should consider that trout behavior and susceptibility to being seen might vary a great deal between daytime and nighttime, even during the summer. in some lakes, the majority of trout may not be seen during the daytime. determine whether the study is an observational study or an experiment. justify your answer with specific references to the information in the study.

observational study, because the divers are not catching trout for a sample

experimental study, because the divers are catching trout for a sample

observational study, because the divers are watching the trout only during the day

experimental study, because the divers are watching the trout during the day and night

unable to determine whether this is an observational study or experiment

Explanation:

An observational study simply observes and records data without interfering or manipulating the subjects. In this study, the divers are just counting the trout during daytime and nighttime without any intervention like catching them for a sample or manipulating their environment. They are merely observing the trout in their natural - state in the lakes.

Answer:

A. Observational study, because the divers are not catching trout for a sample