Consider the following scenario:
A scientist is analyzing one bird population. There is a large amount of variation in size in the population. There are also predators that eat these birds. After collecting evidence on three types of birds (small, medium, and large), the scientist discovers that the large birds are less likely to be killed. The only major genetic difference is the size of the birds. The colors and behaviors of the large birds are the same as those of the small and medium birds.
Using reasoning skills, which is the most credible explanation for what is contributing to this higher rate of survival?
A. The large birds may be the smallest group in the population.
B. The large birds may be the hardest for predators to see.
C. The large birds may be the hardest for predators to attack.
D. The large birds may be the largest group in the population.
B. The large birds may be the hardest for predators to see. This explanation makes sense because if the larger birds are less visible to the predators, they would have a higher chance of survival. The other options do not provide a convincing explanation for why the large birds are more likely to survive.
Anna mixes the letters S, E, L, E, C, T, E, and D thoroughly. Without looking, Mary draws one letter. Expressed as a fraction, decimal, and percentage, what is the probability that E will not be the letter Mary selects?
A. Start Fraction 3 over 8 End Fraction, 0.375, 37.5%
B. eight-fifths, 1.6, 16%
C. The fraction is 5 over 8., 0.625, 62.5%
D. Start Fraction 8 over 3 End Fraction, 2.667, 26.667%
To find the probability that E will not be the letter selected, we need to first count the total number of letters, and then count how many of them are not E.
Total number of letters: 8
Number of letters that are not E: 5 (S, L, C, T, D)
Probability of selecting a letter that is not E:
5/8
This can be expressed as a fraction, decimal, and percentage:
Fraction: 5/8
Decimal: 0.625
Percentage: 62.5%
Therefore, the answer is (C) The fraction is 5 over 8., 0.625, 62.5%.
To determine the most credible explanation for the higher rate of survival among the large birds in this scenario, we need to carefully analyze the provided information and use reasoning skills.
Firstly, we are told that the only major genetic difference among the birds is their size, while their colors and behaviors remain the same. This suggests that the variation in size is the main factor affecting the survival rates.
Now, let's consider each of the given options and evaluate their credibility:
A. The large birds may be the smallest group in the population: This explanation is not credible, as the question states that there is a large amount of variation in size within the population. If the large birds were the smallest group, it would contradict this information.
B. The large birds may be the hardest for predators to see: This explanation is plausible. Larger birds might have physical characteristics that make them more difficult for predators to detect, such as blending in with their surroundings or having better camouflage.
C. The large birds may be the hardest for predators to attack: This explanation is also plausible. Larger birds may have physical attributes or defensive mechanisms that make them more challenging for predators to successfully capture or kill.
D. The large birds may be the largest group in the population: This explanation is inconsistent with the information provided. The question clearly states that there is a large amount of variation in bird size, which would suggest that no particular size group dominates.
Based on the information provided and the reasoning applied, options B and C seem the most credible. However, without further evidence or more specific context, it is ambiguous to definitively determine which explanation is more likely. To make a conclusive determination, additional research and data analysis would be required.