ZOL3702
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 218877
DUE DATE: 25 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1: Occam’s Razor
Occam’s Razor is a principle often used in logical thinking and scientific reasoning. It
suggests that when there are several possible explanations for a situation, the one that
involves the fewest assumptions is usually the best choice. In other words, the simplest
explanation that still fits the facts is often the most reliable, unless the complexity is
necessary to fully explain the evidence.
QUESTION 2
2.1 Graphing the Relationship
The equation provided is:
y = 0.5x + 10
In this case, x represents the level of food availability (ranging from 0 to 20), and y
represents the number of animals. This equation shows a linear relationship, meaning
as food availability increases, the number of animals increases at a steady rate.
(You can plot this graph by creating a table of values for x from 0 to 20 and calculating
the corresponding y values, then drawing a straight line through the points.)
2.2 Making Predictions Using the Formula
To predict the number of animals at different levels of food availability, substitute the
given values of x into the equation:
a) If food availability (x) is 5:
y=0.5(5)+10=2.5+10=12.5y = 0.5(5) + 10 = 2.5 + 10 =
12.5y=0.5(5)+10=2.5+10=12.5
So, the expected number of animals is 12.5.
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO. 218877
DUE DATE: 25 MAY 2025
, QUESTION 1: Occam’s Razor
Occam’s Razor is a principle often used in logical thinking and scientific reasoning. It
suggests that when there are several possible explanations for a situation, the one that
involves the fewest assumptions is usually the best choice. In other words, the simplest
explanation that still fits the facts is often the most reliable, unless the complexity is
necessary to fully explain the evidence.
QUESTION 2
2.1 Graphing the Relationship
The equation provided is:
y = 0.5x + 10
In this case, x represents the level of food availability (ranging from 0 to 20), and y
represents the number of animals. This equation shows a linear relationship, meaning
as food availability increases, the number of animals increases at a steady rate.
(You can plot this graph by creating a table of values for x from 0 to 20 and calculating
the corresponding y values, then drawing a straight line through the points.)
2.2 Making Predictions Using the Formula
To predict the number of animals at different levels of food availability, substitute the
given values of x into the equation:
a) If food availability (x) is 5:
y=0.5(5)+10=2.5+10=12.5y = 0.5(5) + 10 = 2.5 + 10 =
12.5y=0.5(5)+10=2.5+10=12.5
So, the expected number of animals is 12.5.
