A biologist observes a group of 9 butterflies, 6 beetles, and 4 ants. If she randomly selects 5 insects, what is the probability that she selects at least 2 butterflies?

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:34:48 +0000

**A biologist observes a group of 9 butterflies, 6 beetles, and 4 ants. If she randomly selects 5 insects, what is the probability that she selects at least 2 butterflies?**
In a quiet observation moment, a biologist studying insect diversity notices a vibrant mix: 9 butterflies, 6 beetles, and 4 ants. If she randomly picks 5 insects from this group, how likely is it she selects at least two butterflies? While simple enough to invite curiosity, this question reflects a deepening public interest in behavioral patterns across species—fueled by educational trends, biodiversity awareness, and growing fascination with natural science. For curious learners and aspiring researchers, this is more than a math prompt; it’s a gateway into statistical thinking applied to real-world ecosystems. Why this topic is resonating now
References to natural observation and small-scale biology sampling are trending in educational content and citizen science forums. With rising public awareness of environmental health and insect population dynamics, questions about probabilities within ecological groups are naturally emerging. People are drawn to answers that blend math, observation, and real-world application—especially when exploring biodiversity through structured sampling. This makes the probability question not just an isolated calculation but a meaningful intersection of data, nature, and everyday curiosity. Understanding the probability: A step-by-step look
To estimate the chance of selecting at least 2 butterflies, we work with a hypergeometric distribution—ideal for sampling without replacement from a finite group. There are 19 insects