Question

the pectoral and breast muscles in birds are what allow the wings to move during flight. an experiment was done to evaluate the number of mitochondria in pectoral/breast muscles in two types of birds: chickens and pigeons. based on your knowledge of organelle function, what would be the most likely outcome of this experiment?

mitochondrial number in pectoral/breast muscle in chickens would be higher than what was seen in pigeons.
mitochondrial number in pectoral/breast muscle in chickens would be lower than what was seen in pigeons.
mitochondrial number in pectoral/breast muscle in chickens would be the same as in pigeons.

Explanation:

Mitochondria are the power - houses of the cell, providing energy. Pigeons are better fliers than chickens and require more energy for flight. Muscles with higher energy demands have more mitochondria. So, the pectoral/breast muscles of pigeons, which are more active in flight, would have more mitochondria than those of chickens.

Answer:

Mitochondrial number in pectoral/breast muscle in chickens would be lower than what was seen in pigeons.