This variable is classified as the independent variable. It can also be called the manipulated variable. 4. The remaining three columns include data that researchers measured and recorded about the beetles in the experiment. Explain why these data do not appear to be independent variables.

The remaining three columns in the data set are not considered independent variables because they are not being controlled or manipulated by the researchers. Instead, these columns contain data that was observed and measured during the experiment. Independent variables are typically the variables that researchers intentionally change or manipulate to study their effects on the dependent variable. In this case, the column that is classified as the independent variable is the one being controlled and manipulated by the researchers, while the remaining three columns are measurements or observations made on the beetles in response to the manipulation of the independent variable. Thus, these three columns would be considered dependent variables rather than independent variables.