18 ■ CHAPTER 01 The Nature of Science(^12) Review the map showing the confirmed and suspected
outbreaks of WNS. Is each statement that follows a testable,
properly formulated scientific hypothesis for the spread of WNS
to bats in Washington State? Explain why or why not. (Hint: Think
about the criteria for a scientific hypothesis.)
a. Did bats infected with WNS arrive in Washington State via
human smuggling for research purposes?
b. The WNS fungus was transported from the Midwest to
Washington State via a bat found in Flight 1701’s cargo hold.
c. Bats in Washington State were infected by contaminated
clothing and equipment from visiting researchers checking for
WNS in these colonies.
d. How did bats end up with WNS in Washington State, so far away
from all other sites of contamination?
e. A mysterious cloud of fungal particles must have floated over
Washington State in early 2016.
(^11) Label each of the following statements as an observation, a
hypothesis, an experiment, or a result.
a. People who ingest a liquid contaminated with a rotavirus
will subsequently experience acute diarrhea.
b. Seventeen out of twenty students given rotavirus-
contaminated chocolate bars subsequently experienced
acute diarrhea.
c. Ten students were given a liquid containing a rotavirus,
and 10 other students were given uncontaminated
liquid.
d. People exposed to rotaviruses often experience acute diar-
rhea.
e. The latest outbreak of acute diarrhea on campus was
due to a rotavirus-contaminated elevator button in
the dorms.