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.

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

Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food but does affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food but does affect wading birds’ reproductive success.

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, but this does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.

Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food and thus does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
Water depth does not affect wading birds’ access to food and thus does not affect wading birds’ reproductive success.
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Water depth likely affects wading birds’ access to food and thus affects wading birds’ reproductive success.

The reasonable inference about the relationship between wading bird reproductive success and water depth in the Everglades is:

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

To make a reasonable inference about the relationship between wading bird reproductive success and water depth in the Everglades, you need to analyze the given information. According to the data, fewer nests were observed in dry years than wet years, suggesting that the availability of nests is associated with the amount of rainfall.

Since wading birds primarily feed on fish, it can be inferred that water depth likely affects their access to food. In wet years, when there is more rainfall and the water level is higher, wading birds have easier access to fish and other food sources. However, in dry years when the water level is lower, their access to food may be limited.

Based on this analysis, a reasonable inference is that water depth likely affects wading birds' access to food, and therefore, it also affects their reproductive success. Therefore, the correct response is:

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