Question

question 1 - 2
a class of students (loa) are conducting a field study to determine the impact the american alligator has on ecosystems in places such as the okefenokee swamp in south georgia over a 2 - year
period.
in one area, they removed the alligators and in another area left the alligators. what is the hypothesis that the students are testing?
o if the american alligator is a keystone species, then the ecosystem with alligators removed will be healthier and contain greater biodiversity.
o if the american alligator is a keystone species, then the ecosystem with alligators present will contain lower primary producers.
o if the american aligator is a keystone species, then the ecosystem with alligators present will be healthier and contain greater biodiversity.
o if the american alligator is a keystone consumer, then the ecosystem with alligators removed will contain more primary producers.

Explanation:

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. In this case, the students are testing the effect of the Azorean algae on the ecosystem. The key is to look for a statement that predicts a relationship between the algae (independent variable) and the ecosystem (dependent variable). Option C predicts that if the Azorean algae is a keystone species, then the ecosystem with algae present will contain more primary producers. This is a valid hypothesis as it links the presence of the algae (the condition) to an outcome (more primary producers).

Answer:

C. If the Azorean algae is a keystone species, then the ecosystem with algae present will contain more primary producers.