Question:
In the early 20th century, which one of these scientists made fundamental contributions to both the fields of evolution and statistics?
In the early 20th century, which one of these scientists made fundamental contributions to both the fields of evolution and statistics?
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A quick mnemonic: “\textbf{Fisher} = \textbf{F}-test/\textbf{F}-distribution \Rightarrow statistics; also Fisher’s \textbf{fundamental} theorem \Rightarrow evolution.”
Updated On: Aug 27, 2025
- R. A. Fisher
- Niko Tinbergen
- August Weismann
- Thomas Huxley
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Recall Fisher’s dual legacy.
Ronald A. Fisher was a founder of modern statistics (ANOVA, maximum likelihood, F-distribution, experimental design) and a key architect of the modern evolutionary synthesis (population genetics; \textit{The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection}, 1930; fundamental theorem of natural selection).
Step 2: Eliminate the distractors.
Tinbergen — pioneer of ethology (behaviour), Nobel laureate; not a founder of statistics.
Weismann — crucial evolutionary theorist (germ-plasm theory), but not known for statistics.
Huxley — eminent biologist/communicator (“Darwin’s bulldog”); again, not a statistician. Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) R. A. Fisher}} \]
Ronald A. Fisher was a founder of modern statistics (ANOVA, maximum likelihood, F-distribution, experimental design) and a key architect of the modern evolutionary synthesis (population genetics; \textit{The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection}, 1930; fundamental theorem of natural selection).
Step 2: Eliminate the distractors.
Tinbergen — pioneer of ethology (behaviour), Nobel laureate; not a founder of statistics.
Weismann — crucial evolutionary theorist (germ-plasm theory), but not known for statistics.
Huxley — eminent biologist/communicator (“Darwin’s bulldog”); again, not a statistician. Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) R. A. Fisher}} \]
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