descriptive
In soils with more mercury, there are fewer types of bacteria, but the variety of fungi stays about the same and is greatest in soils with the least mercury.
Scientific Claim
Bacterial alpha diversity decreases with increasing mercury contamination levels in soils, while fungal alpha diversity remains stable and is highest in low-contamination soils.
Original Statement
“Bacterial α-diversity declined with increasing Hg levels, while fungal diversity remained stable and highest in low-contamination soils.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational and shows correlation between mercury levels and diversity, not causation. 'Declined' and 'remained stable' appropriately describe the observed association without implying causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
0
9
Contradicting (0)
0
No contradicting evidence found