Since thermal vents deep below the erath's oceans emit large amounts of heat and nutrient-rich material into the surrounding water, the increased presence of marine life at these locations could be due to the warmth and nutrients the vents provide. Some scientists, however, believe that most marine life can only thrive in areas with rugged terrain that affords them protection from predators.

Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the hypothesis of the scientists?

A) Many vents emit masses of material that build up over time into rugged terrain.

D) Marine life is more abundant on the ocean floor that surrounds thermal vents than in the open ocean above the vents.


Correct answer is A. I choose D strenghtens both premises: the presence of marine life is due to the warmth and nutrients provided by thermal vents and that the rugged terrain protects them. What is wrong with this answer??

Always that I have two finalists I chose the wrong one :(

thank you!

The key is in the specific details of the hypothesis. The thought is that marine life needs rugged terrain. The vents are not part of the hypothesis, in actuality. The vents are known to emit heat and nutrient-rich material, and we also know that there is increased marine life around these vents. The question is about the reason for the concentration of marine life.
D tells us that marine life is more abundant around the vents, but it's not clear WHY they're there. Is it because of the nutrients and heat? Or is it because of the rugged terrain?
A answers the question, and is thus correct.

Veritas Help