Question

Manatees are an endangered species of herbivorous, aquatic mammals found primarily in the rivers and estuaries of Florida. As part of its conservation efforts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission records the cause of death for every recovered manatee carcass in its waters. Of the 392 recorded manatee deaths in 2012, 68 were perinatal and 81 were caused by collision with a watercraft.

Required:
a. What is the probability that the death of a randomly selected manatee was due to collision with a watercraft?
b. What is the probability that the death was not due to collision with a watercraft?
c. What is the probability that the cause of death was due to perinatal problems or collision with a watercraft?

Answer 1

a) 0.206 , b) 0.794 , c) 0.38

Explanation:

a) Prob(watercraft collision death)= Watercraft collision deaths / Total deaths = 81 / 392 = 0.206

b) Prob (Death non watercraft collison) = 1 - Prob (Death watercraft collision) = 1 - 0.206 = 0.794

c) Prob (Prenatal or watercraft collision death) = (68 + 81) / 392 = 0.38