Final answer:
The statement about a 1-percent probability due to chance refers to the level of significance in statistical testing, suggesting significant results unlikely due to random variation. The sex ratio can be affected by social factors, as evidenced by the skewed ratio in China attributed to the One-Child Policy and cultural preferences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "there was only a 1-percent probability that the results were due to chance" refers to the level of significance in a statistical hypothesis test, suggesting that the study's findings are statistically significant and unlikely to occur due to random variation alone. In the context of sex ratios, this means that the observed deviation in the native community of Ontario from the continental average is probably influenced by factors other than chance.
For the example given, where 60 girls and 90 boys were born in 150 randomly chosen recent births, if one believes that the percentage of girls born in China is 46.7%, a statistical test could be conducted to determine if the observed ratio significantly deviates from the expected ratio. Since the observed ratio in the study is 40% girls (60 girls out of 150 births), one would perform a hypothesis test to see if this result is statistically significant at the 1% level of significance.
The deviation from the natural or expected sex ratio can be due to various factors, such as cultural preferences, economic decisions, government policies, and biological factors. The One-Child Policy in China, combined with a preference for sons, led to a skewed ratio, with significant societal consequences.