Mean, median, and mode are indeed measures of central tendency, while range and standard deviation measure variability—but not all statements here are correct. The right choice is (1) A, B, and C only.

Option Analysis

• A. Correct. Mean (average), median (middle value), and mode (most frequent value) all describe the center of a dataset.

• B. Correct, with nuance. Range (max minus min), interquartile range (Q3 minus Q1, often called “quartile range”), and standard deviation (average deviation from mean) quantify data spread.​

• C. Correct. Variance equals the average of squared deviations from the mean, measuring total variability.​

• D. Incorrect. Continuous data come from quantitative traits (e.g., height, measurable on a continuum); qualitative traits yield discrete or categorical data.​

• E. Incorrect. For six data points, sum = mean × n = 30 × 6 = 180, not 36.​

In statistics, measures of central tendency like mean, median, and mode summarize a dataset’s center, while variability measures such as range and standard deviation show data spread. This MCQ tests these basics—vital for biology students analyzing experimental data in genetics or plant physiology.

Core Concepts

Measures of central tendency pinpoint typical values:

• Mean: Sum divided by count.

• Median: Middle value when ordered.

• Mode: Most repeated value.​

Variability measures reveal dispersion:

• Range: Highest minus lowest.

• Interquartile range: Middle 50% spread.

• Standard deviation: Average deviation from mean.

• Variance: Squared standard deviation (average squared deviation).​

Continuous data (quantitative, measurable) contrast with discrete qualitative data.​

MCQ Breakdown

See the option analysis above. Choice (1) fits as A, B, C hold true; D mislabels data types, E botches the mean formula (sum = mean × n).​