How to Weigh an Alligator ue
• Using the data below develop a model from which the weight of an
Objectives alligator can be predicted from its length.
• Provide mathematical justification for the model you chose.
• Use the model to predict and interpret alligator data.
Many wildlife populations are monitored by taking aerial photographs. Information about the
number of animals and their whereabouts is important to protecting certain species and ensuring the
safety of surrounding human populations. In addition, it is sometimes possible to monitor certain
characteristics of the animals. The length of an alligator can be estimated quite accurately from aerial
photographs or from a boat. However, the alligator's weight is much more difficult to determine
Would you like to try and convince an alligator to hop on a scale?
Listed below is data on the length and weight of observed alligators.
(Source: http://exploringdata. cqu. edu. au/datasets. htm)
Length in inches
Weight in pounds
58
61
63
68
69
72
72
74
74
76
78
82
85
86
28
44
33
39
36
38
61
54
51
42
57
80
84
83
80
90
70
84
106
102
110
130
197
366
640
86
86
88
89
90
90
94
94
114
128
147
Dependent Variable
Independent Variable