Parasitic worm infestation is hypothesized to be damaging to the host. However, scientists have recently discovered that worm infestation can relieve the effects of certain autoimmune disorders. In which of the following ways should the hypothesis be modified, given the new findings?
A. Worm infestation prevents the body from immune malfunction
B. Worm infestation reduces the severity of certain autoimmune disorders
C. Worm infestations exacerbate the body's immune reactions
D. Lack of worm infestations is the cause of some autoimmune disorders
The hypothesis should be modified to include the new findings that worm infestation can relieve the effects of certain autoimmune disorders.
A possible modification could be: “Parasitic worm infestation can have both damaging and beneficial effects on the host.
While it can cause harm, it has also been found to reduce the severity of certain autoimmune disorders.”
Choice A.
Worm infestation prevents the body from immune malfunction is not correct because it overstates the findings and implies that worm infestation completely prevents immune malfunction, which is not supported by the evidence.
Choice C.
Worm infestations exacerbate the body’s immune reactions is not correct because it contradicts the new findings that worm infestation can relieve the effects of certain autoimmune disorders.
Choice D.
Lack of worm infestations is the cause of some autoimmune disorders is not correct because it overstates the findings and implies a causal relationship between lack of worm infestations and autoimmune disorders, which is not supported by the evidence.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.