As a scientist, you are assigned the task of finding out if the disappearance of a particular fish species from a lake in the Northwestern United States is due to acid rain resulting from industrial air pollution. Identify alternative hypotheses that could explain the disappearance of the species. What is the advantage of formulating alternative hypotheses in a scientific study.
Check this site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesis
As the question is asking for alternative hypotheses, have you been recently covered null hypothesis? Have a look at the section on null hypothesis in the wikipedia site above.
please help with question because the professor we cant use the wikipedia
In that case have a look at
http://www.stats.gla.ac.uk/steps/glossary/hypothesis_testing.html
As a scientist investigating the disappearance of a fish species, it is important to consider alternative hypotheses in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Here are a few alternative hypotheses that could explain the disappearance:
1. Overfishing: The fish species may have been overfished, leading to their decline and eventual disappearance. This hypothesis suggests that human activity, rather than environmental factors, is responsible.
2. Natural Predation: Another possibility is that a new predator, either a native species or an invasive species, entered the lake and started preying on the fish, causing their population to dwindle.
3. Habitat Loss: Changes to the lake's ecosystem, such as alterations in water chemistry, invasive plants, or physical habitat destruction, might have negatively impacted the fish population.
4. Disease Outbreaks: The fish could have been affected by a disease or a parasite, causing elevated mortality rates and reducing their overall numbers.
The advantage of formulating alternative hypotheses is that it allows scientists to consider multiple possibilities and avoid potential bias or preconceived notions. By examining various explanations, scientists can design studies and gather evidence that can either support or refute each hypothesis. This approach ensures a more objective and thorough investigation, helping to identify the true cause or causes of the fish species' disappearance.