Question

In the early 20th century, which one of these scientists made fundamental contributions to both the fields of evolution and statistics?

• A. R. A. Fisher
• B. Niko Tinbergen
• C. August Weismann
• D. Thomas Huxley

Hint:

A quick mnemonic: “\textbf{Fisher} = \textbf{F}-test/\textbf{F}-distribution \Rightarrow statistics; also Fisher’s \textbf{fundamental} theorem \Rightarrow evolution.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

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:
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) R. A. Fisher}} \]