Question

18. Scientists measured the beak length of a population of birds in a lake in 1960. They measured the beak length of the bird population again in 2010. What do the graphs show you about the variation in the beak lengths of the birds by the lake?
Responses

a
There was the same amount of variation in 1960 and in 2010.
There was the same amount of variation in 1960 and in 2010.

b
These bar graphs do not show the amount of variation in the population.
These bar graphs do not show the amount of variation in the population.

c
There was more variation in 2010.
There was more variation in 2010.

d
There was more variation in 1960.

Answer 1

To accurately respond to your question regarding the variation in beak lengths of birds by the lake, I would need to see the specific graphs that were measured in 1960 and 2010. However, I can provide guidance on how to interpret the graphs based on the options you've given:

- **Option a** suggests that there was no change in variability over the two decades.
- **Option b** implies that the graphs do not provide sufficient information to assess variation.
- **Option c** states that there was an increase in variability in 2010 compared to 1960.
- **Option d** claims that there was more variation in 1960 than in 2010.

If the graphs show a wider range of beak lengths or a greater spread in the data points for 2010 compared to 1960, then c would be the correct answer. If the opposite is true, then d might be correct. If there are no visible differences, then a could be applicable, or if the graphs lack data about variation, then b would be the answer.

Without the actual graphs, it's impossible to definitively choose the correct response. Please refer to the specific data presented in the graphs to select the appropriate answer.