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Multiple Choice
Which of the following was the average beak size of finches on the island of Daphne Major in 1976?
A
11.5 mm
B
7.2 mm
C
9.8 mm
D
13.0 mm
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is asking about the average beak size of finches on Daphne Major in 1976, which is a specific measurement related to evolutionary biology and the study of natural selection.
Step 2: Recall that average beak size is a quantitative trait often studied in finches to understand how environmental factors influence evolution. Researchers measure beak sizes and calculate the average to analyze trends over time.
Step 3: Review the options provided in the question: 11.5 mm, 7.2 mm, 9.8 mm, and 13.0 mm. The correct answer is explicitly stated as 9.8 mm, but the focus here is on understanding how averages are determined.
Step 4: To calculate an average, you would sum all individual beak size measurements and divide by the total number of finches measured. The formula for average is:
Step 5: Recognize that the average beak size of 9.8 mm in 1976 is a result of such calculations and reflects the population's adaptation to environmental conditions on Daphne Major during that time.