A scientist is investigating whether a new type of fertilizer increases the growth rate of tomato plants. The scientist conducts an experiment with two groups of tomato plants: one group is given the new fertilizer, and the other group receives no fertilizer. The scientist measures the growth of the plants over a period of four weeks. What would be an appropriate hypothesis based on the scenario?

• A. The new fertilizer will have no effect on the growth rate of tomato plants.
• B. Tomato plants grow at a uniform rate regardless of the type of fertilizer used.
• C. The new fertilizer will increase the growth rate of tomato plants.
• D. The experiment should be conducted for more than four weeks.

Answer: (C)