1. The problem asks: What feature of the box plot shows the central half of the data? 2. A box plot is a graphical representation of data distribution that highlights key statistics: minimum, first quartile (Q1), median (Q2), third quartile (Q3), and maximum. 3. The central half of the data is the middle 50% of the dataset, which lies between the first quartile (Q1) and the third quartile (Q3). 4. In a box plot, this central half is represented by the "box" itself, which extends from Q1 to Q3. 5. The length of the box is called the interquartile range (IQR), calculated as $$\text{IQR} = Q3 - Q1$$. 6. Therefore, the box in the box plot visually shows the central 50% of the data, providing insight into the data's spread and central tendency. Final answer: The box in the box plot shows the central half (middle 50%) of the data, spanning from the first quartile (Q1) to the third quartile (Q3).