The student wants to emphasize the aim of the research study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A
Researchers wanted to know which factors influence lizard egg clutch size because such factors have been well studied in birds but not in lizards.
B
After they obtained data for over 3,900 lizard species, researchers determined that larger clutch size was associated with environments in higher latitudes that have more seasonal change.
C
We now know that lizards in higher-latitude environments may lay larger clutches to take advantage of shorter windows of favorable conditions.
D
Researchers obtained clutch-size and habitat data for over 3,900 lizard species and analyzed the data with statistical models.
Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer. The sentence emphasizes the aim of the research study by highlighting what the researchers conducting the study wanted to know—specifically, which factors influence clutch size among lizards.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the sentence emphasizes what researchers determined at the end of the study, not what the study’s aim was.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the sentence emphasizes a finding from the research study, not the aim of the study.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the sentence emphasizes the research study’s methodology, not its aim.