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1.3. Design an experiment using appropriate variables, treatments, and controls.
In an experiment described in your text, scientists were collecting data in an attempt to understand factors impacting the proliferation and success of the chytrid fungus pathogen that has dramatically impacted frog populations globally. In the graph pictured, scientists observed that frog species with higher average body temperature tended to have lower infection rates. In this graph, which axis represents the dependent variable, and which axis represents the independent variable?
independent variabledependent variable
In this experiment, the independent variable would be the average body temperature of the frog species, as this is the factor that the scientists are manipulating or measuring. The dependent variable would be the infection rates of the chytrid fungus pathogen, as this is the factor that is being affected by the changes in body temperature.
To design an experiment to further investigate this relationship, the scientists could manipulate the body temperature of different frog species by exposing them to different temperature conditions. They could then measure the infection rates of the chytrid fungus pathogen in each group of frogs to see if there is a relationship between body temperature and infection rates.
The treatments in this experiment would be the different temperature conditions that the frogs are exposed to, while the control group would consist of frogs kept at a constant, neutral temperature. By including a control group, the scientists can compare the results of the experimental groups to ensure that any differences in infection rates are due to the changes in body temperature and not any other factors.
Overall, by designing an experiment with appropriate variables, treatments, and controls, scientists can further investigate the relationship between body temperature and infection rates in frog populations, providing valuable insights into potential strategies for mitigating the impact of the chytrid fungus pathogen on global frog populations.