How do the words “can,” “may,” and “could” in the third paragraph (lines 19-41) help establish the tone of the paragraph?

A) They create an optimistic tone that makes clear the authors are hopeful about the effects of their research on colony collapse disorder.

B) They create a tentative tone that makes clear the authors suspect but do not know that their hypothesis is correct.

C) They create a dubious tone that makes clear the authors do not have confidence in the usefulness of the research described.

D) They create a critical tone that makes clear the authors are skeptical of claims that pyrethrums are inherent in mono-crops.

In line 42, the authors state that a certain hypothesis “can best be tested by a trial.” Based on the passage, which of the following is a hypothesis the authors suggest be tested in a trial?

A) Honeybees that are exposed to both pyrethrums and mites are likely to develop a secondary infection by a virus, a bacterium, or a fungus.

B) Beekeepers who feed their honeybee colonies a diet of a single crop need to increase the use of insecticides to prevent mite infestations.

C) Humans are more susceptible to varroa mites as a result of consuming nutritionally deficient food crops.

D) A honeybee diet that includes pyrethrums results in honeybee colonies that are more resistant to mite infestations.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

A) Lines 24-28 (“Without…​ bees”)

B) Lines 16-18 (“In fact…​ cream”)

C) Lines 19-21 (“We suspect…​ deficient”)

D) Lines 3-5 (“These mites…​ viruses”)

The passage most strongly suggests that beekeepers’ attempts to fight mite infestations with commercially produced insecticides have what unintentional effect?

A) They increase certain mite populations.

B) They kill some beneficial forms of bacteria.

C) They further harm the health of some bees

D) They destroy bees’ primary food source.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

A) Lines 1-2 (“Honey bees…​ mites”)

B) Lines 31-35 (“In addition…​ infestation”)

C) Lines 6-7 (“Little…​ control”)

D) Lines 47-50 (“Mites…​ control colonies”)