Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer because it accurately describes data from the graph that support the claim that the team found that male and female Atelomycterus fasciatus (banded sand catsharks) share the same sponge. The graph presents the number of male, female, and undetermined banded sand catsharks found in each of three sponges—sponge 1, sponge 2, and sponge 3. The graph shows that approximately 17 male sharks and 13 female sharks were found in sponge 1, approximately 1 male shark and 2 female sharks were found in sponge 2, and approximately 2 male sharks and 1 female shark were found in sponge 3. Thus, the graph shows that male and female sharks were found sharing the same sponges.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the graph shows that one of the sponges (sponge 1) was not inhabited by any undetermined banded sand catsharks. Additionally, this choice doesn’t give any information about female sharks, so it can’t support the claim that male and female sharks are actually found in the same sponge.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it doesn’t give any information about female sharks. The graph does show that approximately 17 male banded sand catsharks inhabited sponge 1, but that information alone can’t support the claim that male and female sharks are found in the same sponge.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because it doesn’t give any information about male banded sand catsharks. The graph does show that approximately 13 female banded sand catsharks inhabited sponge 1, but that information alone can’t support the claim that male and female sharks are found in the same sponge.