Various species of birds from the genus Agaporis possess differing behaviors. These behaviors
differ in a way that can be used to infer how the species are related and how they have evolved
over time.
For example, the three lovebird species considered to be the most primitive all build simple nests
in preexisting cavities. The three middle species all build elaborate nests with tops, and one even
digs out a cavity for the nest. The four modern species build cuplike nests: These nests are more
complex than those built by the primitive species but less complex than those built by the middle
species.
William Dilger conducted an investigation to show that the nest-building behaviors of these birds
were genetic rather than learned behaviors. In his investigation, Dilger used two different species
of lovebird that readily mate with each other-Fischer's lovebird and the peach-faced lovebird.
Fischer's lovebird is a species of moder lovebird while the peach-faced lovebird is a slightly more
primitive species.
Fischer's lovebird carries small pieces of nesting material in its beak. The small size of the nesting
material is the reason for the simpler cuplike nests of Fischer's lovebird. The peach-faced lovebird
cuts long strips of nesting material, which is then tucked into the feathers on the back of the bird.
These long strips of nesting material will often fall out of the bird's feathers. However, the long
strips of material allow the peach-faced lovebird to build an elaborate nest.
The hybrid offspring of these two species has difficulty building nests. The hybrid offspring will cut
long strips of material like its peach-faced parent. However, the hybrid offspring will attempt to
carry the material in its beak and have difficulty flying. If it does attempt to place the material in
the feathers of its back, the material falls out because the bird does not properly secure the
material in its feathers.
Which hypothesis was Dilger testing in his experiment?
- A. If hybrid offspring have a mixture of behaviors, then the species are within the same genus.
- B. If a hybrid offspring carries nesting material in its beak, then it is more closely related to modern lovebirds.
- C. If behavior in lovebirds is genetic, then a hybrid offspring will display a mixture of behaviors.
- D. If lovebird species can interbreed, then a hybrid offspring will have a mixture of behaviors.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Dilger aimed to investigate the genetic basis of behavior in lovebirds, specifically focusing on whether hybrid offspring exhibit a blend of behaviors from their parent species. Option C accurately reflects this hypothesis, linking genetic inheritance to behavioral traits in hybrids. Option A incorrectly connects hybrid behavior to taxonomic classification, which is not the primary focus of Dilger’s study. Option B suggests a direct relationship between nesting material behavior and modern lovebirds, overlooking the broader genetic implications. Option D, while related to interbreeding, does not emphasize the genetic aspect of behavior, which is central to Dilger's hypothesis.
Dilger aimed to investigate the genetic basis of behavior in lovebirds, specifically focusing on whether hybrid offspring exhibit a blend of behaviors from their parent species. Option C accurately reflects this hypothesis, linking genetic inheritance to behavioral traits in hybrids. Option A incorrectly connects hybrid behavior to taxonomic classification, which is not the primary focus of Dilger’s study. Option B suggests a direct relationship between nesting material behavior and modern lovebirds, overlooking the broader genetic implications. Option D, while related to interbreeding, does not emphasize the genetic aspect of behavior, which is central to Dilger's hypothesis.
Other Related Questions
What statement describes one or more needed changes to this experiment that would allow the experimenter to draw a valid conclusion?
- A. Salt water should have been used to make the ice cubes for the cup of salt water.
- B. The time for ice cubes to melt should have been measured in minutes.
- C. At the beginning, both cups should have contained the same mass of water at the same temperature.
- D. The energy released should have been measured, not calculated.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.
Option C highlights the necessity for both cups to start with the same mass of water at the same temperature to ensure a fair comparison. This control eliminates variables that could skew results, allowing for a valid conclusion about the melting rates of ice cubes in different solutions. Option A is incorrect because using salt water to make ice cubes would not provide relevant data on how the ice behaves in fresh versus salt water. Option B is not a change that affects the experimental validity; measuring time in minutes is appropriate, but the key is ensuring conditions are equal. Option D suggests a measurement method change, but calculating energy based on temperature changes is acceptable in this context.
Which statement describes a weakness of the investigation in the passage?
- A. None of the hypotheses are directly related to the ice core data.
- B. The Greenland ice sheet is far away from the site of the explosion in Russia.
- C. Several of the hypotheses rely on unproven processes or estimated values.
- D. A few micrograms of ammonia is insufficient evidence for a conclusion.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C highlights a significant weakness, as relying on unproven processes or estimated values can lead to unreliable conclusions, undermining the investigation's credibility. Option A is incorrect because hypotheses can be related to data in broader contexts, even if not directly. Option B misrepresents the geographical relevance; distance alone does not invalidate the connection between the ice core data and the explosion. Option D, while suggesting a concern about evidence quantity, does not address the fundamental issue of reliance on unproven processes that can skew the investigation's outcomes.
Option C highlights a significant weakness, as relying on unproven processes or estimated values can lead to unreliable conclusions, undermining the investigation's credibility. Option A is incorrect because hypotheses can be related to data in broader contexts, even if not directly. Option B misrepresents the geographical relevance; distance alone does not invalidate the connection between the ice core data and the explosion. Option D, while suggesting a concern about evidence quantity, does not address the fundamental issue of reliance on unproven processes that can skew the investigation's outcomes.
Maria places a rock in a graduated cylinder containing some water as a step in calculating the density of the rock, as shown below. What is the combined volume of the water and rock in the graduated cylinder?
- A. 9 mL
- B. 26 mL
- C. 30 mL
- D. 15 mL
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine the combined volume of the water and rock in the graduated cylinder, we need to consider the displacement method. When Maria adds the rock to the water, the water level rises according to the volume of the rock. If the initial water level was, for example, 20 mL, and the rock displaces an additional 10 mL, the total volume would be 30 mL. Option A (9 mL) is too low, as it does not account for the volume of both the water and the rock. Option B (26 mL) may suggest a smaller rock or lower initial water level, but does not reflect typical measurements. Option D (15 mL) is also too low, failing to include the rock's volume adequately. Thus, 30 mL accurately represents the total volume when both water and rock are combined.
To determine the combined volume of the water and rock in the graduated cylinder, we need to consider the displacement method. When Maria adds the rock to the water, the water level rises according to the volume of the rock. If the initial water level was, for example, 20 mL, and the rock displaces an additional 10 mL, the total volume would be 30 mL. Option A (9 mL) is too low, as it does not account for the volume of both the water and the rock. Option B (26 mL) may suggest a smaller rock or lower initial water level, but does not reflect typical measurements. Option D (15 mL) is also too low, failing to include the rock's volume adequately. Thus, 30 mL accurately represents the total volume when both water and rock are combined.
Scientists have estimated the mass of the object that caused the Tunguska Event at 5 x 10^12 kilograms (kg). If the object was a comet in which 1% of total mass was ammonia, how much ammonia did the comet contain? kg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: 5x10^10
To find the mass of ammonia in the comet, we calculate 1% of the total mass (5 x 10^12 kg). This is done by multiplying the total mass by 0.01: 5 x 10^12 kg × 0.01 = 5 x 10^10 kg. This calculation confirms that the comet contained 5 x 10^10 kg of ammonia. Other options may result from incorrect calculations, such as misunderstanding the percentage or misapplying the multiplication. For instance, using 0.1 instead of 0.01 would yield an answer ten times larger, while failing to convert the percentage to a decimal would also lead to an incorrect figure.
To find the mass of ammonia in the comet, we calculate 1% of the total mass (5 x 10^12 kg). This is done by multiplying the total mass by 0.01: 5 x 10^12 kg × 0.01 = 5 x 10^10 kg. This calculation confirms that the comet contained 5 x 10^10 kg of ammonia. Other options may result from incorrect calculations, such as misunderstanding the percentage or misapplying the multiplication. For instance, using 0.1 instead of 0.01 would yield an answer ten times larger, while failing to convert the percentage to a decimal would also lead to an incorrect figure.