Question

flight characteristics of selected birds of prey
bird species wingspan (cm) average flight speed (km/h) maximum dive speed (km/h)
gyrfalcon 110 - 160 80 - 145 up to 209
golden eagle 180 - 234 45 - 70 up to 322
red - tailed hawk 110 - 145 32 - 64 up to 193
researchers wanted to compare the flight characteristics of three birds of prey: the gyrfalcon, the golden eagle, and the red - tailed hawk. of the three species, the one with the longest wingspan is the golden eagle, which also has the ______
which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
choose 1 answer:
a fastest maximum dive speed, though its average flight speed is slower than that of the gyrfalcon.
b slowest maximum dive speed, despite having the fastest average flight speed.
c fastest average flight speed, though its maximum dive speed is slower than that of the red - tailed hawk.
d slowest average flight speed, as well as the slowest maximum dive speed.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze maximum dive speed

Compare maximum dive speeds: Gyrfalcon (up to 209 km/h), Golden eagle (up to 322 km/h), Red - tailed hawk (up to 193 km/h). Golden eagle has the fastest maximum dive speed.

Step2: Analyze average flight speed

Compare average flight speeds: Gyrfalcon (80 - 145 km/h), Golden eagle (45 - 70 km/h), Red - tailed hawk (32 - 64 km/h). Gyrfalcon has a higher average flight speed range than Golden eagle.

Answer:

A. fastest maximum dive speed, though its average flight speed is slower than that of the gyrfalcon.