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
Mold only flourishes in either hot and arid or wet and freezing conditions.
b
Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
c
Any increase in relative humidity causes a decrease in mold growth.
d
Any increase in temperature causes a decrease in mold growth.
b) Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
According to the graph, the growth rate of mold increases as relative humidity increases, reaching a peak at around 80-90% relative humidity. This range of relative humidity corresponds to typical indoor conditions where humans live. Therefore, it can be inferred that 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 data is:
b) Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live.
To determine the correct conclusion that can be inferred from the data, we need to analyze the graph showing the growth rate of mold under various levels of relative humidity.
Now let's break down the answer choices:
a) Mold only flourishes in either hot and arid or wet and freezing conditions: Looking at the graph, we can see that mold growth rates are highest at higher levels of relative humidity, particularly between 75% and 95%. However, there isn't any evidence in the graph that suggests mold growth is only possible in either hot and arid or wet and freezing conditions. Therefore, option a is not supported by the graph.
b) Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live: This answer choice seems plausible because mold growth rates are indeed higher at levels of relative humidity typically found in human living environments, specifically between 40% and 60% and 75% and 95%. Therefore, it is likely that mold grows well in the ranges where humans live. However, we should consider the other options before making a conclusion.
c) Any increase in relative humidity causes a decrease in mold growth: This answer choice directly contradicts the information from the graph. As we can see, mold growth rates increase as the relative humidity increases, especially at higher levels of humidity. Therefore, option c is not supported by the graph.
d) Any increase in temperature causes a decrease in mold growth: There isn't enough temperature data provided in the question or the graph to determine the relationship between temperature and mold growth. We cannot infer that an increase in temperature will cause a decrease in mold growth from the given information. Therefore, option d is not supported by the graph.
Based on the analysis, the most supported conclusion from the given data is b) Mold grows well in the same ranges in which humans live. This conclusion is backed by the observation that mold growth rates are highest in the relative humidity ranges typically found in human living environments.
It's important to note that this conclusion is based solely on the information provided in the question. Additional research or data may be required to make more accurate conclusions about the growth of mold.