If research is restricted then the new discoveries made are limited which action is most likely to decrease the number of discoveries scientist can make

I would say C. eliminating government funding of research. without finding, scientists can't experiment, therefore all their research remains purely theoretical and isn't considered a discovery.

Hope this helps!

The correct answer is C. Eliminating government funding of research.

Explanation:

Government funding is the backbone for new research and discoveries in any country. Without government funding, the number of discoveries and technology will decline drastically because research requires lots of money which every private organization may not able to provide.

America spends more than 2.7% of its GDP on research and development and is one of the most leading countries in group of countries doing discoveries and inventions.  

Therefore eliminating government funding of research most likely to decrease the number of discoveries scientist can make.

thinking it would be physical characteristics

d. groundwater flows through the subsoil and deposits minerals.