16Hit1600
Information and IdeasMediumChoosing the data that supports a trend claim

Information and Ideas practice question

A researcher tracked the number of nesting pairs of a seabird on an island. Year | Nesting pairs 2010 | 420 2015 | 380 2020 | 250 2025 | 90 The researcher argues that the decline has accelerated, noting that ____

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

  1. A. the colony lost 40 pairs between 2010 and 2015 but 160 pairs between 2020 and 2025.Correct
  2. B. the colony had 420 pairs in 2010.
  3. C. the colony lost pairs in every five-year period.
  4. D. the colony had 90 pairs in 2025.

Answer: A. the colony lost 40 pairs between 2010 and 2015 but 160 pairs between 2020 and 2025.

The loss per five years grew from 40 to 160.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the colony had 420 pairs in 2010.
A single value shows no acceleration.
C. the colony lost pairs in every five-year period.
Steady loss is not the same as accelerating loss.
D. the colony had 90 pairs in 2025.
An end value alone does not show the rate.

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