Since thermal vents deep below the erath's oceans emit large amounts of heat and nutrient-rich material into the surrounding water, the increased presence of marine life at these locations could be due to the warmth and nutrients the vents provide. Some scientists, however, believe that most marine life can only thrive in areas with rugged terrain that affords them protection from predators.
Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the hypothesis of the scientists?
A) Many vents emit masses of material that build up over time into rugged terrain.
D) Marine life is more abundant on the ocean floor that surrounds thermal vents than in the open ocean above the vents.
Correct answer is A. I choose D strenghtens both premises: the presence of marine life is due to the warmth and nutrients provided by thermal vents and that the rugged terrain protects them. What is wrong with this answer??
Always that I have two finalists I chose the wrong one :(