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.

Question

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 and thus affects wading birds’ reproductive success.

Answer 1

The more reasonable inference is:

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

This inference is supported by the fact that fewer nests were observed in dry years, suggesting that the availability of food (fish) is linked to water depth, which can influence the reproductive success of wading birds.