An Ecologist Is Studying the Impacts of the Aquaculture of a Fish

Multiple Choice

An ecologist is studying the impacts of the aquaculture of a fish species on an estuary. His study involves three experimental setups: 1) A controlled laboratory experiment in which fish are kept in small aquaria, 2) A controlled field experiment in which the fish are kept in large tanks, and 3) A field experiment in the estuary itself, in which the fish are kept in mesh cages so their secretions enter the estuary water. In all cases, the ecologist measures specific chemical factors to determine the fishes' effect on water quality. Later, he will combine results of all experiments into an aquaculture model. Why might the ecologist choose to use this complex set of experimental setups rather than just choosing one?

A) Each spatial scale provides different types of information, resulting in a more thorough and precise picture of the aquaculture ecosystem's impacts.
B) Each spatial scale gives one part of the total picture; putting them all together provides complete information on all characteristics of the aquaculture ecosystem.
C) Using several types of experimental designs allows the scientist to compare the different sets of data and decide which one is most accurate.
D) The different experimental setups represent replications of the aquaculture ecosystem; averaging them gives an accurate picture of the total system.