Final answer:
The owl is faster than the seagull because its speed is greater.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which animal is faster, we need to compare the speeds of the owl and the seagull. The owl travels 8 1/3 miles per hour, which is equivalent to 25/3 miles per hour. The seagull travels 12 1/2 miles in 2/3 hour.
To compare their speeds, we need to find a common denominator. The least common denominator of 3 and 2 is 6. Converting the owl's speed to a fraction with a denominator of 6 gives us 50/6 miles per hour, and converting the seagull's speed to a fraction with a denominator of 6 gives us 37 1/2 / 6 miles per hour.
Comparing the two speeds, we can see that the owl is faster because 50/6 is greater than 37 1/2 / 6.