The Relationship Between Latitude and Clutch Size in Birds

What are the independent and dependent variables in the study?

The scientist wanted to see if the number of eggs in a nest (clutch size) varied according to latitude. What other elements were taken into consideration as constants and controls in the study?

Answer:

The independent variable in this study is the latitude, as the scientist wanted to determine if the clutch size varied with the change in latitude. The dependent variable is the number of eggs in a nest. The constants in this study could include the species of birds being studied, the size of the nests, and the time period over which the study was conducted. The controls could involve factors such as environmental conditions, food availability for the birds, and nesting materials.

In this study, the scientist examined 100 nests in each of the three temperate zone areas and three tropical zone areas, totaling 600 nests. The hypothesis of the study could be that the clutch size of birds varies based on the latitude at which they are found. The sample size of 600 nests allows for a substantial amount of data to be collected and analyzed, increasing the validity of the findings.

By not disturbing the nests during the examination, the scientist ensured that the natural behavior of the birds was not disrupted, leading to more accurate observations. The presence of repeated measures, with 100 nests being examined in each zone, allows for comparisons to be made within and between the temperate and tropical zones.