ACT (Enhanced)ScienceHard
A research team is studying the migratory patterns of a bird species. They tag 100 birds with GPS trackers and release them. Over the next year, they collect data on the birds' locations. They notice that 80% of the tagged birds follow a similar route, while 20% deviate significantly. Based on this observation, the team proposes a model that suggests a primary migratory route influenced by prevailing winds, but also acknowledges individual variations. What is a key strength of this model?
- AIt is simple enough to be easily understood by the public.
- BIt provides a definitive explanation for all observed bird behaviors.
- CIt predicts the exact stopping points for each bird.
- DIt accounts for the observed variability in the data.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It accounts for the observed variability in the data.
A key strength of a scientific model is its ability to explain observed phenomena, including any variations or exceptions. By acknowledging both a primary route and individual deviations, the model effectively accounts for all the collected data, rather than ignoring the outliers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Simplicity is a desirable trait but not the 'most significant strength' in explaining complex data with variability.
- B. The model acknowledges individual variations, so it doesn't claim to explain 'all' behaviors definitively.
- C. The model suggests a primary route and variations, but doesn't claim exact predictability for every individual, which is often impossible in biological systems.
Strengths of Scientific Models
Qualities that make a scientific model robust, useful, and reliable for understanding and predicting phenomena.
- Ability to explain observations.
- Predictive power for future events.
- Consistency with existing scientific knowledge.
- Falsifiability (can be tested and potentially disproven).
Memory trick: A strong model 'fits' the facts and 'foresees' the future.