A scientist is evaluating a proposal for raising large numbers of fish in ocean pens for human consumption. As part of the evaluation, the scientist is designing a plan for investigating how fish in the ocean pens might affect nearby ecosystems. Which of the following is the most appropriate factor to use as the dependent variable in the experimental investigation?
a. the amount of metabolic wastes in the water where the fish are being raised
b. the water temperature in the natural habitat of the fish being studied
c. the types of fish that are preferentially consumed by humans
Answer: A