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Jan Gimsa, Robert Sleigh, and Ulrike Gimsa have hypothesized that the sail-like structure running down the back of the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus improved the animal's success in underwater pursuits of prey species capable of making quick, evasive movements. To evaluate their hypothesis, a second team of researchers constructed two battery-powered mechanical models of S. aegyptiacus, one with a sail and one without, and subjected the models to a series of identical tests in a water-filled tank. Which finding from the model tests, if true, would most strongly support Gimsa and colleagues' hypothesis?

AThe model with a sail took significantly longer to travel a specified distance while submerged than the model without a sail did.
BThe model with a sail displaced significantly more water while submerged than the model without a sail did.
CThe model with a sail had significantly less battery power remaining after completing the tests than the model without a sail did.
DThe model with a sail took significantly less time to complete a sharp turn while submerged than the model without a sail did.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The model with a sail took significantly less time to complete a sharp turn while submerged than the model without a sail did.
Choice D is the best answer. The hypothesis is that the sail-like structure enhanced underwater hunting of quick, evasive prey. A faster sharp turn underwater (D) would directly support increased maneuverability and thus the hypothesis.
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