Question

certain species, such as hays spring amphipods (stygobromus hayi), lack functional eyes or ocular organs altogether and rely on other mechanisms for navigation. licheng yuan and colleagues investigated such mechanisms in the chinese red - headed centipede (scolopendra subspinipes mutilans), which has no organs with photoreceptors (light - detecting cells) but can sense and avoid sunlight. the researchers placed individual specimens in a clear container (container 1) connected to a container covered in black tape (container 2) and then exposed the containers to simulated sunlight. they observed a rapid increase in the temperature of the centipedes antennae with the onset of exposure, followed by the centipedes escape to container 2. based on their observations, the researchers concluded that thermal receptors in the antennae are likely responsible for light detection in the centipedes.
which additional finding from yuan and colleagues study, if true, would best support the researchers conclusion?
a when body segments other than the centipedes antennae were monitored, the temperature of these body segments were found to increase in the presence of sunlight.
b the centipedes showed the same tendency to move to container 2 when simulated sunlight was accompanied by artificially reduced temperatures.
c chinese red - headed centipedes are more proficient at detecting light than other centipede species are.
d when their antennae were covered with a reflective material, the centipedes remained exposed in container 1 for longer durations.

Explanation:

• Option A: If body segments other than antennae also show temperature increase in sunlight, it weakens the claim that antennae thermal receptors are responsible for light detection.
• Option B: If centipedes move to container 2 even when temperature is reduced, it suggests light detection is not via thermal receptors (as temperature is not the key factor), weakening the conclusion.
• Option C: Comparing with other centipede species is irrelevant to whether antennae thermal receptors in this species are responsible for light detection.
• Option D: When antennae (where thermal receptors are hypothesized) are covered (so thermal receptors can't work as well), centipedes stay in container 1 (exposed to light) longer. This supports the idea that antennae thermal receptors are involved in light - detection (as blocking them affects the behavior related to light - avoidance).

Answer:

D. When their antennae were covered with a reflective material, the centipedes remained exposed in container 1 for longer durations.