Question

Which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable in this experiment? a. the independent variable is the respiration rate; the dependent variable is the temperature. a. the independent variable is the respiration rate; the dependent variable is the temperature. b. the independent variable is the temperature; the dependent variable is the respiration rate. b. the independent variable is the temperature; the dependent variable is the respiration rate. c. the independent variable is the number of goldfish; the dependent variable is the temperature. c. the independent variable is the number of goldfish; the dependent variable is the temperature. d. the independent variable is the respiration rate; the dependent variable is the number of goldfish. d. the independent variable is the respiration rate; the dependent variable is the number of goldfish.

Answer 1

Typically, in biological experiments, variables that are environmental parameters, such as temperature, are manipulated as independent variables. The respiration rate, a biological response, is generally the dependent variable.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a scientific experiment, the independent variable is the one that the scientist varies or changes intentionally. The dependent variable is the one that is observed and measured to determine how it reacts to the changes done in the independent variable.

We will need additional context to be 100% sure, but typically in biology experiments, the environmental parameter such as temperature would be the independent variable, which the respiration rate will depend on. Thus, option B: 'the independent variable is the temperature; the dependent variable is the respiration rate' might be the most appropriate choice. This is because we would expect the temperature to influence animal respiration rate, not the other way around.

Learn more about Independent and Dependent Variables