On February 2 of each year, the United States observes the unusual holiday of Groundhog Day a day of hope that winter is over and springs be giving This tradition has been officially observed in the US since the 1800, and is believed to have developed from European folk traditions in which a bear, fox, badger, or even hedgehog would serve as the symbolic meteorologist. Although other cultures and towns observe Groundhog Day for something similars the town of Punxsutawney. Pennyslyvania takes special pride in being home to the one true forecasting ground Prawny P At the tum of the twentieth century, townspeople formed the Punxsutawney Groundhog Cub to perpetuate the joy rituals and events surrounding Groundhog Day. Over the years, these events have come to include a scavenger hunt a talent show, and a ball. Legend has it that on Groundhog Day the official weather forecasting groundhog awakens from hibernation and comes out of his bow to look for his shadow if he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are to come, and Punxsutawney Phil goes back to bed. However, if he does not see his shadow, Punxsutawney Phil takes this as a sign that spring has arrived, and he remains above ground Of course, common sense tells us that February 2 is too early for spring to begin, and that while animals may be attuned to various elements of nature from which humans might learn, they are unlikely to act on their instincts based on a schedule set by a Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, a visit to Pennsylvanian to see Punxsutawney Phil and all of the fun he inspires each year might just provide the touch of hope needed to reach the end of winter. What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years?
A. An encyclopedia entry on mammals in the northeast U.S.
B. A record of weather patterns in the last decade
C. A meimor from a member of the Groundhog Club
D. A historical survey of customs in Pennslyania
B. The source that would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years would be: "A record of weather patterns in the last decade." Such a record would provide empirical data to assess the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions by comparing his predictions to actual weather conditions over an extended period.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is B.