Question

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.

What is a reasonable inference about the relationship between wading bird reproductive success and water depth in the Everglades?

(1 point)
Responses

Water depth likely affects wading birds’ access to food, but this does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
Water depth likely affects wading birds’ access to food, but this does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.

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

Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food and thus does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food and thus does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.

Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food but does affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food but does affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
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Answer 1

Based on the provided information, 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.**

This inference is inferred from the observation that fewer nests were recorded in dry years, suggesting that lower water levels might limit the availability of fish, which are the primary food source for wading birds, thereby impacting their reproductive success.