When methyl benzoate bears a substituent at the para position, the rate of hydrolysis of the ester group depends on the nature of the substituent at the para position. Apparently, a methoxy substituent renders the ester less reactive, while a nitro substituent renders the ester more reactive. Explain this observation. A methoxy group is electron withdrawing, thereby increasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A nitro group is electron donating, thereby decreasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A methoxy group is electron withdrawing, thereby decreasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A nitro group is electron donating, thereby increasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A methoxy group is electron donating, thereby decreasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A nitro group is electron withdrawing, thereby increasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A methoxy group is electron donating, thereby increasing the electrophilicity of the ester group. A nitro group is electron withdrawing, thereby decreasing the electrophilicity of the ester group.