Why is there no set path that a scientific inquiry must follow

There is no set path that a scientific inquiry must follow. This is because every scientific inquiry will ask a different question, and will look for a different type of answer. Therefore, each inquiry will require a different method for finding out what we are looking for. Nevertheless, although the specific path we follow might vary, all scientific inquiries must adhere to the scientific method in order to be scientifically valid.

- decrease the number of plants and animals living in the water.