"Antarctic Birds Use Scent to Find Their Mates" reports that "Antarctic birds returning to a nesting colony after feeding at sea sniff out their mates, literally . . .
Scientists studying the birds [Antarctic prions] found that they have a noticeable odor, which remained behind on the bags used to hold them. So the researchers set up a Y-shaped maze. On the end of each arm, they placed a bag that had previously held a bird. In 17 out of 20 cases, the returning bird selected the bag that smelled like its mate . . ."22
a. Which statistical process concerned the researchers when they decided on a Y-shaped maze to test their theory-data production, displaying and summarizing, probability, or statistical inference?
b. If the birds could not identify the smell of their mates, approximately what percentage of all returning birds would select the correct bag?
c. Is your answer to part (b) a statistic or a parameter?
d. Use percentages to explain why the results seem convincing.
e. What is the largest population for which the researchers may be justified in generalizing their results?