A student is analyzing data that compare the change in the total number of wading bird nests in the Everglades to the change in rainfall. Wading birds feed primarily on fish. Fewer nests were observed in dry years than wet years.

Water depth likely affects wading birds’ access to food and thus affects wading birds’ reproductive success.

The reasonable inference about the relationship between wading bird reproductive success and water depth in the Everglades is:

Water depth likely affects wading birds' access to food and thus affects wading birds' reproductive success.

To answer this question, let's carefully analyze the given information. The data shows that fewer nests were observed in dry years compared to wet years. We also know that wading birds primarily feed on fish.

Based on this information, we can make a reasonable inference about the relationship between wading bird reproductive success and water depth in the Everglades. The key point to consider is that wading birds rely on fish as their primary food source. Fish, in turn, are closely tied to water depth because water depth affects their habitat and availability.

Therefore, it is logical to infer that water depth likely affects wading birds' access to food, as it directly influences the habitat and availability of fish. And since the availability of food (in this case, fish) is a crucial factor for reproductive success in birds, we can also infer that water depth likely affects wading birds' reproductive success.

So, the correct inference in this scenario would be:
- Water depth likely affects wading birds' access to food and thus affects wading birds' reproductive success.