SAT OwlQuestion bank / Command of Evidence
| Feeder food | Average birds per hour | Number of species observed |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower seeds | 14 | 9 |
| Millet | 8 | 4 |
| Suet | 6 | 5 |
| Nyjer seed | 11 | 3 |
A student set up four bird feeders in her backyard, each stocked with a different food, and recorded the birds that visited over two weeks. She concluded that sunflower seeds attracted both the most birds and the greatest variety of species.
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the student's conclusion?
The sunflower seed feeder averaged 14 birds per hour and drew 9 species, more than any other feeder on both measures.
The Nyjer seed feeder averaged 11 birds per hour, more than the millet feeder's 8 birds per hour.
The suet feeder drew 5 species, while the millet feeder drew 4 species.
The sunflower seed feeder averaged 14 birds per hour, while the Nyjer seed feeder drew only 3 species, the fewest of any feeder.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The conclusion has two parts: sunflower seeds drew the most birds and the most species. Choice A gives both sunflower figures (14 birds per hour and 9 species) and notes that each is the highest in the table.
Choice D mentions sunflower seeds but compares a bird count with a species count, so it never shows that sunflower seeds drew the most species.
Why the other choices are wrong
- B. This compares two other feeders and never mentions sunflower seeds.
- C. This compares the suet and millet feeders, so it can't show that sunflower seeds led on either measure.
- D. This sets sunflower seeds' bird count against Nyjer's species count, so it never shows sunflower seeds drew the most species.
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