The figure below shows the relationship between the percent of leaf litter mass remaining after decomposing for 3 years and the mean annual temperature, in degrees Celsius `(.^@C)`, in 18 forests in Canada. A line of best fit is also shown.

A particular forest in Canada, whose data is not included in the figure, had a mean annual temperature of `−2^@C`. Based on the line of best fit, which of the following is closest to the predicted percent of leaf litter mass remaining in this particular forest after decomposing for 3 years?

Options

A. `50%`
B. `63%`
C. `70%`
D. `82%`

Answer

C

Explanation

Based on the line of best fit shown, the predicted percent of leaf litter mass remaining for a forest with a mean annual temperature of `−2^@C` is about 70%. Choice A is incorrect, it is the predicted percent of leaf litter mass remaining at about `6.5^@C`. Choice B is incorrect, it is the predicted percent of leaf litter mass remaining at `2^@C` instead of at `−2^@C`. Choice D is incorrect, it is the predicted percent of leaf litter mass remaining at about `−7^@C`.