The mean weight in a population of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)grown in identical conditions is 1.10 mg,and the standard deviation is 0.05.The heaviest fly in this population weighs 1.30 mg.The genetic deviation of this individual is:
A)0.05 mg.
B)0.15 mg.
C)0.20 mg.
D)0.84 mg.
E)It is impossible to determine based on these data.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The genetic deviation, also known as z-score, is calculated as (observed value - mean) / standard deviation.

For the heaviest fly in the population, the observed value is 1.30 mg.

Therefore, the genetic deviation (z-score) of this individual is (1.30 - 1.10) / 0.05 = 0.20 mg.

Thus, the correct choice is C.

The Mean Weight in a Population of Fruit Flies (Drosophila