Question

the dot plots show the distribution of the length, in centimeters, of 25 shark teeth for an extinct species of shark and the length, in centimeters, of 25 shark teeth for a closely related shark species that is still living. length of teeth in extinct species in centimeters mean: 3.02 cm standard deviation: 0.55 cm length of teeth in living species in centimeters mean: 2.32 cm standard deviation: 0.13 cm compare the two dot plots using the shape of the distribution, measures of center, and measures of variability. use the situation described in the problem in your explanation.

Explanation:

• Shape: The extinct species' dot - plot has a spread - out shape with data from approximately 2 cm to 4.5 cm. The living species' dot - plot is more clustered, with data from about 2.1 cm to 2.7 cm.
• Measures of Center: The mean for the extinct species is \(3.02\) cm, and for the living species is \(2.32\) cm. This shows that, on average, the teeth of the extinct species are longer.
• Measures of Variability: The standard deviation for the extinct species is \(0.55\) cm, and for the living species is \(0.13\) cm. A larger standard deviation for the extinct species indicates that the lengths of its teeth are more spread out (more variable) compared to the living species.

Answer:

The extinct species' teeth lengths have a more spread - out shape (wider range of values), a higher mean (longer average length), and greater variability (larger standard deviation) compared to the living species. The living species' teeth lengths are more clustered (less spread out), have a lower mean (shorter average length), and less variability (smaller standard deviation).