instruction:
You are given a science question (hard-level) and four answer options (associated with "A", "B", "C", "D"). Your task is to find the correct answer based on scientific facts, knowledge, and reasoning. Do not generate anything else apart from one of the following characters: 'A', 'B, 'C', 'D'. There is only one correct answer for each question.
question:
According to the periodic table, argon is found in what column?  
 (A) 1 (1A) (B) 2 (2A) (C) 16 (6A) (D) 18 (8A)
answer:
D


question:
Sooj learned that whales use vocalization to navigate and to communicate with other whales. Some scientists think that noise pollution in whale habitats may harm whale populations. What would be the most likely effect of noise pollution on whales?  
 (A) alteration of whale genetic material (B) reversed flow of energy through whale habitats (C) reduced populations of food organisms in whale habitats (D) separation of whale family groups
answer:
D


question:
A pharmaceutical company published experimental data showing that a new medication improved cholesterol levels in the people who participated in the study. Which professional most likely did not contribute to developing this medication?  
 (A) a chemist (B) a biologist (C) a geologist (D) a physician
answer:

C