Question

Tinbergen and his co-workers collected gull eggs and painted 69 of them white and left 68 of them with their natural color. Statistically, these numbers are close enough to be considered equal.The researchers then scattered the eggs next to a gull breeding area and observed from a nearby blind. Predation rates were recorded for white versus natural colored eggs. What is the difference in the control group and the experimental group in Tinbergen's study?

Answer 1

In Tinbergen's study, the difference in the control group (natural colored eggs) and the experimental group (white eggs) was minimal, with 68 eggs having their natural color and 69 eggs painted white.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tinbergen's study involved a controlled experiment with gull eggs, where 68 eggs retained their natural color (control group), and 69 eggs were painted white (experimental group). The difference between these groups was only one egg, indicating a nearly equal distribution. This balance is crucial for valid experimental comparisons, as it helps ensure that any observed differences in predation rates can be attributed to the color manipulation rather than inherent variations in group size.

To delve deeper into the statistical significance of the difference, a direct comparison can be made. In this case, the small numerical difference suggests that both groups were well-matched in terms of egg quantity. The proximity of the numbers 68 and 69 supports the idea that any observed variations in predation rates between the control and experimental groups are more likely to be a result of the color manipulation rather than an imbalance in sample size.

In conclusion, the minimal difference in the number of eggs between the control and experimental groups in Tinbergen's study emphasizes the careful design of the experiment. This ensures that any observed effects can be confidently attributed to the manipulated variable, in this case, the color of the gull eggs