Populations of Amphibians, Including Frogs and Toads, Have Been Plagued

Multiple Choice

Populations of amphibians, including frogs and toads, have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity. A recent study investigated whether problems among the populations have arisen due to poisons from chemicals associated with agriculture. Biologists from the University of Florida collected local adult cane toads Bufo marinus) from more than 20 different locations. Toads were collected from areas close to agriculture- both large-scale and small-scale farms as well as from suburbs. At collection sites where 50-97% of the adjacent land was farmed, males showed high levels of feminization. Feminized male toads were similar in color to females and had lower levels of testosterone and often had deformed gonads. These changescan lead to sterile males or changes in behavior that prevent mating from occurring. Which of the following statements would be considered a hypothesis for this study?

A) Amphibian populations are facing problems due to agricultural chemicals.
B) Toxins are capable of causing diseases and deformities within many amphibian populations.
C) Toads collected from suburbs had fewer deformities compared to toads collected from agricultural areas.
D) Agricultural chemicals can cause deformities and feminization amongst cane toads.
E) More male toads from the large-scale agricultural areas showed signs of feminization.