[Campbell Biology P.103] Based on the provided scatter plot and the experimental description... | Practice Question
Based on the provided scatter plot and the experimental description, which of the following statements correctly identifies the variables and their roles?
A: The x-axis represents the calcification rate (dependent variable), and the y-axis represents the carbonate ion concentration (independent variable).
B: The x-axis represents the carbonate ion concentration (independent variable), and the y-axis represents the calcification rate (dependent variable).
C: Both the x-axis and y-axis represent independent variables, showing different environmental factors affecting coral growth.
D: The x-axis represents the calcium carbonate accumulation (dependent variable), and the y-axis represents the seawater pH (independent variable).
Explanation
The x-axis shows the carbonate ion concentration CO3^2- µmol/kg of seawater , which was manipulated by the researchers, making it the independent variable. The y-axis shows the calcification rate mmol CaCO3/ m^2 day , which was measured as a response, making it the dependent variable.