Question

apply the simulation to the real world
researchers can genetically select lettuce crops to cultivate for pest resistance. one of the concerns scientists have about genetically selected crops is that some traits for pest resistance may affect the texture of lettuce.
what question could be asked to begin this investigation by looking at a measurable dependent variable?
what is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the distribution of leaf size in a population of plants?
what is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the toughness of lettuce leaves?
what is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the sale of green salad in grocery stores?
what is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the texture most preferred for consumption by grasshoppers?

Explanation:

• Option 1: Leaf size distribution is not directly related to the texture concern mentioned (toughness is a texture - related aspect).
• Option 2: Toughness is a measurable characteristic related to texture. The independent variable is crop selection for pest resistance, and the dependent variable (toughness) is measurable.
• Option 3: Sale of green salad is related to market factors, not the texture of the lettuce itself as a result of pest - resistance traits.
• Option 4: Texture preferred by grasshoppers is about the pests' preference, not the texture relevant to human perception (which is the concern in the problem statement).

Answer:

B. What is the effect of crop selection for pest resistance on the toughness of lettuce leaves?