Test: ACT Science

Scientists studied a species of termite and looked at their foraging habitats across the United States. The termite’s population in a given tree was measured by the level of decomposition within a tree, due to the termites eating the bark. The experiment also kept track of the level of shade tolerance for each species of tree. For the species of trees in this experiment, shade tolerance fell into two main categorizes- shade tolerant (ST) and intermediate shade (IS). Lastly, they recorded the average amount of rainfall in that given month for the species location being observed. The chart below summarizes the data. Scientists hypothesized that the level of decomposition would be highest in tree species with a higher average rainfall. In addition, they hypothesized that the trees allowing more shade would allow for more termites and, in turn, more decomposition. 

 

 

Tsuga canadensis

Morus rubra

Pinus

strobus

Acer rubrum

Arbutus

menziesii

Quercus

lobata

Juniperus

scopulorum

Decomposition

(in ccm)

2.38

3.21

1.01

.970

2.89

1.31

4.03

Shade tolerance

ST

ST

IS

IS

ST

IS

ST

Average rainfall

47.27

50.89

43.26

41.65

46.87

44.98

52.75

1.

The relationship between average rainfall and the quantity of termites in a certain tree species is that __________

higher rates of rainfall accompany greater quantities of termites. 

None of the answer choices listed

lower rates of rainfall accompany greater quantities of termites. 

higher rates of rainfall accompany lower quantities of termites. 

quantities of termites stay the same regardless of rainfall rates. 

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