Concept explainers
To determine: The most common type of birth defect in the single-birth group.
Introduction: During the gestation period, the mother can have single birth or multiple births. Single birth is where the mother carries only one fetus during the gestation period in the womb. Multiple births are where more than one fetus is carried during the gestation period, such as twins, triplets, quadruplets, and more. Carrying more than one fetus in the womb results in insufficient supply of nutrient to the developing fetus. These fetuses become still-born or born with abnormalities.
Explanation of Solution
Scientist YT studied the correlation between birth defects and multiple births in City F from 1996 to 2000. The scientist calculated the relative risk of birth defect with factors including type of birth, maternal age, economy, race, and medical care provided during pregnancy. The relative risks were calculated using a scale of 1. Relative risk lesser than 1 indicate that multiple births possess less risk of the occurrence of respective birth defects. Relative risk greater than 1 indicates that multiple births do possess a greater risk of the same. The generated data are given in Fig. 42.16.
According to the study, heart defects were the most common type of birth defect in the single-birth group, which may be due to genetic disorders.
The most common type of birth defect in the single-birth group is heart defects.
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Chapter 42 Solutions
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life