A rancher raises a herd of Hereford cattle and a herd of Simmental cattle. All cattle have access to the same amount of food and space in the rancher's pasture. Each type of cattle consumes the same amount of calories of similar food each day. Both types of cattle reach maturity and adulthood when they are 1 year old. The table below compares the average weight of a newborn calf and the average weight of an adult cow in each of the rancher's herds.

Question

Breed Calf Weight Adult Weight
Hereford 90 pounds 980 pounds
Simmental 90 pounds 1,050 pounds

Which of the following best explains the difference in growth between the two herds?
A.
Simmental cattle have genetic differences from Hereford cattle that result in higher rates of growth.
B.
Factors in the environment promote the growth of Simmental cattle more than the growth of Hereford cattle.
C.
Limited food and space reduce the growth of Simmental cattle more than the growth of Hereford cattle.
D.
The growth of Simmental cattle and Hereford cattle is controlled by completely different genes.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the difference in growth between the two herds is:

A. Simmental cattle have genetic differences from Hereford cattle that result in higher rates of growth.

This option highlights that the difference in average adult weights suggests an inherent genetic trait that influences the growth rates of the breeds, while both herds have access to the same resources.