USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

In investigating the cause of sterility in a dog kept at a high temperature, what must be shown?

1. The dog was sterile before the experimental period

2. The dog was sterile after only one week

3. The dog had never been sterilized before

4. The dog had increased fertility before the experiment

The correct answer is: The dog was sterile before the experimental period

To determine the cause of sterility in the dog kept at a high temperature, it is crucial to establish a baseline for the dog's reproductive capabilities. Showing that the dog was sterile before the experimental period allows researchers to rule out other potential causes of sterility that may have existed prior to exposure to high temperatures. This way, any changes observed in the dog’s sterility can be more confidently attributed to the elevated temperature. By confirming that the dog was not sterile prior to the experiment, the investigation can confidently attribute the sterility observed during the high-temperature exposure to that particular environmental condition. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship and strengthens the validity of the research. Understanding the reproductive history of the dog in relation to the experimental setup is essential for drawing accurate conclusions. If the dog had been sterile previously or if any other conditions were present, it could complicate interpretations of the results and the effects of the high temperature.