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In a pond there are 480 fish, 30% of which are male. Each male can mate with any female and each fish can be part of only one pair. How many distinct male–female pairs can be formed?

medium MCQ 3 marks Class 8 · Science · Reproduction in Animals
  1. 72
  2. 144
  3. 200
  4. 336
Answer
144

The correct answer is 144 — Hence maximum distinct pairs = 144.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Total fish = 480.
  2. Number of male fish = 0.30 × 480 = 144.
  3. Number of female fish = 480 – 144 = 336.
  4. A pair needs one male and one female; the limiting factor is the number of males.
  5. Hence maximum distinct pairs = 144.
Common mistake: Using total fish instead of number of males

Concept tested: Pairing in populations

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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