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Question

Difficulty: EasyLogical Arguments and Causal Relationships

A marine biology study observed that coral reefs with higher populations of herbivorous parrotfish experienced significantly lower levels of algae overgrowth over a five-year monitoring period. Based on these results, the lead researchers concluded that the presence of parrotfish prevents algae overgrowth on coral reefs.

Which of the following correctly pairs the proposed independent cause and the dependent effect in the researchers' conclusion?

  1. Cause: Presence of herbivorous parrotfish | Effect: Lower levels of algae overgrowthAnswer
  2. B
    Cause: Lower levels of algae overgrowth | Effect: Presence of herbivorous parrotfish
  3. C
    Cause: Five-year monitoring period | Effect: Presence of herbivorous parrotfish
  4. D
    Cause: Overall coral reef growth | Effect: Increased algae overgrowth
  5. E
    Cause: Lower levels of algae overgrowth | Effect: Five-year monitoring period

Answer

Cause: Presence of herbivorous parrotfish | Effect: Lower levels of algae overgrowth
The conclusion asserts that the presence of parrotfish prevents algae overgrowth. Therefore, the presence of parrotfish is the independent cause, and the lower level of algae overgrowth is the dependent effect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the causal claim in the conclusion.
The claim states that 'the presence of parrotfish prevents algae overgrowth on coral reefs.'
Identifying the explicit conclusion isolates the variables being evaluated.
2
Determine which variable acts as the independent cause.
The presence of herbivorous parrotfish is the action/agent producing the change.
In causal reasoning, the cause is the independent variable introduced or observed first that influences the outcome.
3
Determine which variable acts as the dependent effect.
Lower levels of algae overgrowth is the outcome resulting from the action.
The effect is the measured response or dependent variable produced by the cause.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Cause and Effect in Causal Arguments
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Logical Arguments and Causal Relationships

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