The bright yellow head of the adult Egyptian vulture (see the photo at the beginning of the chapter) requires carotenoid pigments. These pigments cannot be synthesized by the vultures, so they must be obtained through their diet. Unfortunately, carotenoids are scarce in rotten flesh and bones, but they are readily available in the dung of ungulates. Perhaps for this reason, Egyptian vultures are frequently seen eating the droppings of cows, goats, and sheep in Spain, where they have been studied. Ungulates are common in some areas but not in others. Negro et al. (2002) measured plasma carotenoids in wild-caught vultures at four randomly chosen locations in Spain as part of a study to determine the causes of variation among sites in Spain in carotenoid availability.

a. Use the data provided in the table to test whether the mean plasma concentration of carotenoids in wild Egyptian vultures differs among sites.

b. What are the assumptions of your analysis in part (a)?

Transcribed Image Text:

Site 11 22 33 Mean concentration (µg/ml)(μg/ml) 1.86 1.86 5.75 5.75 6.44 6.44 Standard deviation 1.221.22 2.462.46 3.423.42 nn 2222 7272 7777