Question

a study finds a positive correlation between the number of spots on the tails of male peacocks and their mating success. what would be the best follow-up experiment to test causation? multiple choice count the number of spots on female tails and measure mating success. remove spots or add artificial spots to male tails and determine female responses. inject testosterone and observe changes in spot count. measure the sperm count of males and compare to spot count.

Explanation:

To test causation between peacock tail spots and mating success, we need to manipulate the independent variable (number of spots) and observe changes in the dependent variable (mating response). Only the option that directly alters spot count and measures female mating responses can isolate the effect of spots on mating success, rather than just observing correlations or related factors.

Answer:

B. Remove spots or add artificial spots to male tails and determine female responses.