Rabbits are very popular domesticated animals, so popular that there are over 300 breeds of domesticated rabbits in the world. You attend a rabbit show and notice that all of the breeds vary in many characteristics, such as size, color, and fur length. You notice that there is weight information on the cages of all rabbit individuals at the show and decide to jot down data for two specific rabbit breeds (in pounds):
Breed A: 10, 8, 7, 10, 9, 9, 10, 9
Breed B: 10, 12, 14, 13, 10, 15, 11, 12
In three to five sentences, 1) calculate the average weights of the two rabbit breed groups, 2) describe some factors that could contribute to the different weights seen within breeds, and 3) describe how you would track and find the growth rate of the two rabbit breede during an investigation.
1) The average weight of Breed A is (10 + 8 + 7 + 10 + 9 + 9 + 10 + 9) / 8 = 8.75 pounds. The average weight of Breed B is (10 + 12 + 14 + 13 + 10 + 15 + 11 + 12) / 8 = 12.25 pounds.
2) Factors that could contribute to the different weights seen within breeds include genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Some rabbits may have a genetic predisposition to be larger or smaller, while others may be fed a diet that promotes growth or restricts it. Rabbits that are more active may also have different weights compared to those that are more sedentary.
3) To track and find the growth rate of the two rabbit breeds during an investigation, you would need to regularly weigh the rabbits at set intervals (e.g. weekly or monthly) and record the data. By plotting the weights over time, you can observe the growth rate of each breed and identify any trends or patterns. Additionally, you can compare the growth rates of the two breeds to see if there are any significant differences.