Question

a scientist wants to know how individual lions within a pride interact with each other in their own environment. to do this, the scientist sedates and tags all of the lions within a pride. then, he places several remotely - controlled video cameras near the lions den and performs an observational field study. he collects continuous video footage over the span of one year, analyzes the video, and then forms conclusions based on his observations. this example shows that
a. conditions and variables are best controlled in observational field studies.
b. observational field studies are not a valid form of scientific investigation.
c. there is only one way to acquire scientific knowledge.
d. not all scientific knowledge is gained through controlled laboratory experiments.

Explanation:

Observational field studies involve observing subjects in their natural environment without controlling conditions. In this case, the scientist is observing lions in their den (natural environment) through video footage. Controlled laboratory experiments (Option A) involve controlling variables in a lab, which is not the case here. Option B is incorrect as observational field studies are a valid form of scientific investigation. Option C is wrong because there are multiple ways (like experiments, field studies, etc.) to acquire scientific knowledge. Option D is also incorrect as the example shows a non - laboratory (field - based, though with some technology like cameras) method of study.

Answer:

D. not all scientific knowledge is gained through controlled laboratory experiments.