Concept:Variance measures the spread of data values around the mean using the formula s2=n∑(x−xˉ)2.Explanation:First, find the mean of the masses.Sum of masses =59+44+53+49+57+40+48+50=400 kg.Number of members n=8.Mean xˉ=8400=50 kg.Now calculate each deviation from the mean and square it:(59−50)2=81,(44−50)2=36,(53−50)2=9,(49−50)2=1,(57−50)2=49,(40−50)2=100,(48−50)2=4,(50−50)2=0.Sum of squared deviations =81+36+9+1+49+100+4+0=280.Variance =8280=35.Answer:The variance of the distribution is 35 kg2, so the correct option is A.