A scientist studying the long-term performance of acetylated wood observes that fungal decay can still occur, albeit at a significantly slower rate than in untreated wood. She notes that some studies claiming acetylated wood is “decay resistant” may be based on relatively short-term lab tests, where the slowed decay kinetics makes it appear as if no decay is happening. She also cites research showing that fungal gene expression patterns in acetylated wood indicate the fungi are still attempting to degrade the wood, but the process is significantly hampered.
The scientist’s reference to studies claiming acetylated wood is “decay resistant” plays which one of the following roles in her argument?
Answer: