An ecologist is conducting a field study on primates to investigate the effects of a virus on population health. He observes that infected primates that eat more of certain plants have longer lifespans. After years of collecting data, he begins to enter his data into a database. Which statements best describe the steps he still needs to carry out in order for this study to be useful to other scientists?
A.He needs to make more observations, compare these observations to his hypothesis, then publish his results. His findings could help zoologists develop vaccines for primates.
B.He needs to summarize his data, then analyze errors and make a conclusion based on his hypothesis. His findings could help doctors treat humans with the same disease.
C.He needs to compare his hypothesis to the original question, then form a conclusion and write a lab report of his results. His findings could help biologists develop new vaccines.
D.He needs to analyze his data, then form a conclusion related to his hypothesis and publish his findings in a journal. His findings could help biologists develop new medications.

Answer: D. He needs to analyze his data, then form a conclusion related to his hypothesis and publish his findings in a journal. His findings could help biologists develop new medications.

Explanation:

A scientific method involves the implementation of steps which is required to be conducted in order to conduct the research. It involves making an observation, formulating a hypothesis, creating a prediction, conducting experiment, analyzing the variables and drawing conclusion.

According to the given situation, an ecologists on the basis of the observation has developed an hypothesis and conducted a research on the basis of the fact that the primates which eat certain plants they exhibit longer lifespan. The data obtain after the study can be analyzed and compared to the set hypothesis. If the data matches with the content of the hypothesis it can be considered valid and can be useful to be publish in the journal. The information can be useful for biologists like zoologists, veterinary scientists for improving the life of the primates under their responsibility.

A clinical trial can be conducted over the humans to determine the applicability of the medicines generated by those plants in treatments of diseases caused by the virus.