Question

What the researchers did
The researchers collected samples of five types of plastic bags.

The first type was made of high-density polyethylene - the standard plastic found in grocery store bags. It
was used as a comparison for four other bags labeled eco-friendly:

. A biodegradable plastic bag made in part from oyster shells
. Two kinds of bags made from oxo-biodegradable plastic, which contain additives that companies say
helps plastic break down faster
. A compostable bag made from plant products

Each bag type was placed in four environments. Whole bags and bags cut into strips were buried in garden
soil outdoors, submerged in salt water in a marina, left
exposed to daylight and open air, or sealed in a dark container in a temperature-controlled lab.

Oxygen, temperature and light all change the structure of plastic polymers, said Julia Kalow, a polymer
chemist from Northwestern University, who was not involved
in this study. So too can reactions with water and interactions with bacteria or other forms of life.

Use the article to answer the question.

Why did the author include the "What the researchers did" section?

(1 point)

to show that biodegradable bags do not break down more easily than standard plastic bags

to show how new technology can help scientists develop new, improved biodegradable plastics

to show how researchers studied the decomposition of standard plastic bags compared to
biodegradable ones

Biodegradable plastics are difficult to recycle and slow to biodegrade, which suggests that they may
cause more problems than they solve.

Answer 1

to show how researchers studied the decomposition of standard plastic bags compared to biodegradable ones

Explanation: the section describes the types of bags tested and the different environments and conditions used, i.e., the study's methods for comparing decomposition.