Question

Construction of a solar power plant is proposed for a desert area near a school. A student has hypothesized that the shade cast by the solar panels will increase the mortality of creosote bush, a native desert plant in the area. Before construction begins, what experimental data should the student collect in order to eventually test the hypothesis?1. The rate of increase in atmospheric CO2 worldwide (in ppm) that occurs in the 12-month period prior to the start of construction2. Average noise levels (in decibels) at a construction site, compared to average noise levels in the desert 20 km away from the construction site3. The rate of wind-caused soil erosion (in kg/yr) near solar panels at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows4. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12 month period5. The changes in monthly precipitation (in mm/yr) at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows

Answer 1

Answer:

4. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12 month period

Explanation:

The creosote bush depends on sunlight to produce the food they require through photosynthesis. The shade from the solar panels would reduce the amount of sunlight that the bush receives. This would increase the mortality of the bush.

In order to test the hypothesis the student must record the direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12 month period. If the plants receive sunlight less than the above amount the plants should start dying. If not then the hypothesis is false.

Hence, the answer is 4. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12 month period.