A scientist is observing elephants in Asia. He notices that a specific species of moth lands on the faces of the elephants. On closer observation, he sees that the moths irritate the eyes of the elephants and then drink the tears that emerge.

Question

What scientific question could the scientist ask to explain this?
A.
What nutrients that moths need are in elephant tears?
B.
How can the moths be kept off the elephants' faces?
C.
Do other species of moths also drink elephant tears?
D.
all of these

Answer 1

The most relevant scientific question that the scientist could ask to explain the interaction between the moths and the elephants is:

A. What nutrients that moths need are in elephant tears?

This question directly investigates the relationship between the moths and the elephants, focusing on why the moths are drawn to the elephants and what benefits they derive from drinking the tears. While options B and C are also valid questions, they are more about controlling the situation or exploring other species rather than directly explaining the behavior observed. Therefore, option A is the best choice that aligns with the scientific inquiry approach. However, if we interpret "explain this" as encompassing a broader understanding of the phenomenon, then option D could also be considered.

In summary, the most directly relevant choice for explaining the specific behavior is A, but D encompasses multiple valid scientific inquiries as well.