Use the bar graph to answer the following question.

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)experience ongoing, debilitating fatigue. In one study, cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking were measured and compared between CFS patients and people without CFS (controls). The data is summarized in the graph. What can you infer from the data?
A) A disruption to thyroid hormone production likely results in decreased cortisol in the saliva.
B) Cortisol is lower in CFS patients because they were just woken up.
C) The normal elevation in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in waking people is reduced in CFS patients.
D) CFS patients are generally more relaxed as demonstrated by their decreased stress response.

Question

Use the bar graph to answer the following question.

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)experience ongoing, debilitating fatigue. In one study, cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking were measured and compared between CFS patients and people without CFS (controls). The data is summarized in the graph. What can you infer from the data?
A) A disruption to thyroid hormone production likely results in decreased cortisol in the saliva. 
B) Cortisol is lower in CFS patients because they were just woken up. 
C) The normal elevation in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in waking people is reduced in CFS patients. 
D) CFS patients are generally more relaxed as demonstrated by their decreased stress response.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The graph shows that cortisol levels in the saliva during the first hour after waking were lower for CFS patients compared to controls. This suggests a disruption in the normal elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level upon waking, which stimulates cortisol production. Therefore, Choice C is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as thyroid hormone production is not directly related to cortisol levels. Choice B is incorrect as the graph shows that cortisol levels were measured during the first hour after waking, not immediately upon waking. Choice D is also incorrect as decreased cortisol levels do not necessarily indicate a decreased stress response.

Use the Bar Graph to Answer the Following Question