Consider a Study on the Diet of Coyotes

question 37

Essay

Consider a study on the diet of coyotes. The table shown indicates an analysis of the bones found in the stomachs of 26 roadkill coyotes, and the number of species found in each was measured. Previous studies claim that the mean number of species eaten by coyotes (i.e., the number of species expected in the stomach contents) is 3.4 species per coyote. Conduct a one-sample t-test on this data and determine whether this seems to be true. Assume a = 0.5. In your answer, present the following: your calculated t-value, an exact P-value using a computer or a range for the P-value using a table of critical values, and a statement about whether the population mean appears to be 3.4 or not based on the sample.
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Number of species' bones found in 26 sets of stomach contents from coyotes.

$\begin{array}{cc}\text { Number }\\\text { of bones } & \text { Frequency } \\\hline 0 & 0 \\1 & 1 \\2 & 2 \\3 & 6 \\4 & 8 \\5 & 6 \\6 & 2 \\7 & 1 \\8 & 0 \\9 & 0 \\10 & 0\end{array}$

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Definitions:

Radially Symmetrical

A form of symmetry in which body parts are arranged around a central axis, allowing for symmetry in multiple planes.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals in which the anus forms from the first opening in the embryo, with the mouth forming later.

Cnidarians

A phylum of animals that are more complex than sponges, characterized by their radial symmetry, a central gastrovascular cavity, and the presence of cnidocytes; includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.

Spiracles

External respiratory openings found in some animals, such as insects and some amphibians, that allow air to enter and exit the trachea.