Construction of a solar power plant is proposed for a desert area near a school. A student has hypothesized that the shade cast by the solar panels will increase the mortality of creosote bush, a native desert plant in the area. Before

construction begins, what experimental data should the student collect in order to eventually test the hypothesis?

A: Average noise levels in decibels) at a construction site, compared to average noise levels in the desert 20 km away from the

construction site

B:The rate of wind-caused soil erosion (in kg/yr) near solar panels at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows

C:The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12-month period

D: The changes in monthly precipitation (in mm/yr) at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows