SAT OwlQuestion bank / Command of Evidence
A team of agricultural scientists hypothesized that planting clover between rows of corn would reduce soil erosion on sloped fields, because clover roots help hold soil in place during heavy rains. The team set up test plots on several hillside farms to find out.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support the team's hypothesis?
Corn in plots with clover grew to the same height as corn in plots without clover.
Clover planted on flat fields produced more flowers than clover planted on slopes.
Farmers in the study reported that clover seed was inexpensive.
After heavy rains, plots with clover between the corn rows lost less soil than plots without clover.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
The hypothesis predicts that clover reduces erosion on slopes. Choice D shows exactly that: after heavy rain, plots with clover lost less soil. The other findings concern corn height, flowers, or cost, none of which measures erosion.
Choice A is a useful finding for farmers, but it addresses crop growth, not soil loss.
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