[Campbell Biology P.67] A student observes that a plant in their garden is wilting. They fo... | Practice Question

A student observes that a plant in their garden is wilting. They formulate a hypothesis: "The plant is wilting because it is not getting enough water." Which of the following best represents a prediction derived from this hypothesis using deductive reasoning, and how it relates to scientific testability?

  • A: Prediction: If the plant is wilting due to lack of water, then watering it regularly should make it recover.
  • B: Prediction: The plant is sad because it misses its friends, so talking to it will make it happier.
  • C: Prediction: All plants wilt when they don't get enough water, therefore this plant is wilting.
  • D: Prediction: The wilting is caused by an invisible spirit; therefore, praying for the plant will heal it.

Explanation

Deductive reasoning, as described in the text, takes the form of 'If...then' logic, moving from a general premise the hypothesis to a specific prediction. For the hypothesis 'The plant is wilting because it is not getting enough water,' the logical 'If...then' prediction is that if the lack of water is the cause, then providing water should resolve the wilting. This prediction is also testable, which is a key criterion for scientific hypotheses.