A botanist studies a field of tulips. She notes that 90% of the flowers are red, while 10% are yellow. What does this observation represent?

A genetic mutation in one flower

Proof that tulips can only be red or yellow

Why do scientists study large groups of the same species, like a whole flock of birds, instead of just one individual bird?

To find the single most perfect example of that species.

To see patterns of common and rare traits within the group.

Because it is easier to catch many birds than just one.

To prove that all individuals in a species are identical.

A rule that says all organisms must look the same.

A description of a single, unusual organism.

A way to predict the exact traits of a future offspring.

An observation of how frequently different variations of a trait appear in a group.

The trait is found in only a few individuals in the group.

The trait will soon disappear from the species entirely.

It allows scientists to separate the weakest individuals from the strongest.

It helps in creating a general description of what is typical for the group.

It proves that the environment has no effect on the organisms' traits.

It determines the exact age of each organism in the group.