Impact of DES on Rat Offspring Reproductive Health

Very Hard Research Summaries Interpreting Results

In an extensive research study, scientists aimed to determine the effect of varying levels of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, on the reproductive development of rat offspring. The researchers divided pregnant rats into three groups: Group 1 received low doses of DES, Group 2 received moderate doses, and Group 3 received high doses. The control group received no DES. After birth, the scientists monitored the offspring for reproductive health and development milestones over a six-month period. Results indicated that the offspring from the high-dose group exhibited significant reproductive abnormalities compared to those from the control and low-dose groups. The scientists then measured the litter size and weight at weaning for all groups.

Which of the following statements most accurately interprets the results of this study?

Litter size was unaffected by any doses of DES, indicating no impact on fertility.

Higher doses of DES correlated with increased litter size but resulted in more reproductive abnormalities.

The moderate dose of DES appears to have beneficial effects on reproductive health compared to low and high doses.

Offspring from the high-dose DES group showed more reproductive abnormalities than those from the control and low-dose groups.

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