Directions: The graph shows the growth rate of mold under various levels of relative humidity. Use the graph to answer any questions that follow.
Please note that - 25 °C = 77 °F
Which conclusion can be correctly inferred from the data?
a
Any increase in relative humidity causes a decrease in mold growth.
b
Mold only flourishes in either hot and arid or wet and freezing conditions.
c
Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
d
Any increase in temperature causes a decrease in mold growth.
c
Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
Based on the given information, the correct conclusion that can be inferred from the graph is:
c) Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
This can be inferred because the graph shows that as the relative humidity levels increase, the growth rate of mold also increases. Since humans tend to live in environments with moderate humidity levels, it can be deduced that mold thrives in similar conditions.
To determine the correct conclusion that can be inferred from the graph, we need to analyze the relationship between relative humidity and mold growth.
Looking at the graph, we can observe that there is an upward trend in mold growth as relative humidity increases. This means that mold grows better in higher levels of relative humidity.
Option a ("Any increase in relative humidity causes a decrease in mold growth") is incorrect because it contradicts the information provided in the graph.
Option b ("Mold only flourishes in either hot and arid or wet and freezing conditions") is also incorrect because the graph shows that mold can grow in a wider range of temperatures and relative humidity levels.
Option c ("Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live") is partially correct. The graph shows that mold growth is more pronounced in the range of relative humidity that is commonly found in human living environments. However, it does not capture the complete picture since mold can also grow in other humidity ranges.
Option d ("Any increase in temperature causes a decrease in mold growth") is incorrect. The graph does not provide data or information about the relationship between temperature and mold growth, so we cannot infer that conclusion from this graph.
Therefore, the correct conclusion that can be inferred from the data is that mold grows well in the range of relative humidity commonly found in human living environments. Therefore, the correct answer is option c.