Question

review the science textbook excerpt and then answer the question.
genes and behavior
in the 1940s, behavioral psychologist robert tryon
conducted an experiment in which rats were placed in a
complex maze that had a food reward at one exit. rats that
made fewer errors navigating the maze were bred together
to create a \maze-bright colony.\ rats that made more
errors were bred together to create a \maze-dull colony.\
after selectively breeding the mice for seven generations,
tryon tested offspring from each colony to determine how
quickly those rats would learn the maze. offspring of the
maze-bright rats consistently made fewer errors than the
maze-dull offspring. tyron’s research therefore suggests
that the ability to navigate the maze successfully was
influenced by genes passed from parent to offspring.
which best indicates that the primary audience is biology
students?
the writer emphasizes the importance of robert
tryon’s work.
the writer uses straightforward language to explain
an experiment about gene selection.
the writer includes information that only experts
would understand.
the writer specifically mentions that genes
influenced the mice’s ability to navigate the maze.

Explanation:

Biology students need clear, accessible explanations of core concepts like gene influence on traits. The excerpt uses straightforward language to break down Tryon’s selective breeding experiment, which aligns with how educational materials for biology students present foundational research. Emphasizing the experiment’s method and gene-trait link (not just expert-only details or overemphasizing the researcher’s importance) targets learners.

Answer:

The writer uses straightforward language to explain an experiment about gene selection.