Scientists collect information on many kinds of wildlife, and for a variety of reasons. Through their resarch they learn about the animals' habits, populations, and locations. Such information can help them learn more about the animals, protect endangered species, detect changes that may signal environmental problems, or keep track of animals that may present risks to humans.

In central Florida, where slligators and humans live in close proimity, it is important to track the locations and sizes of alligators. The animals may be spotted from the air, from a boat, or on land. Wildlife expects can accurately estimate the alligator's length, but they usually want to know the animal's weight as well. That's a little harder to determine, unless you'd like to be the one who picks the gator up to step on scale...

To develop a way to estimate the weight of an alligator, the wildlife researchers measured the lengths and weights of several captured alligators. Then they used those data to develop a model enabling them to estimate an alligator's weight from its length- something they can guess from a safe distance! Officials hope to use this model to identify alligators that should be relocated because they have grown so large as to pose a threat to humans.

1) Create the linear model for their data.

2) Discuss the accuracy of that model.

3) Try again: create a stronger predictive model.

4) Explain why the new model is better.

5) Assess how well the model would work for these wildlife scientists.

Weight (pounds) 83 70 61 54 44 106 84 39 42 197 102 57 130 51 640 28 80 110 33 90 36 38 366 84 80 Length (inches) 86 88 72 74 61 90 89 68 76 114 90 78 94 74 147 58 86 94 63 86 69 72 128 85 82