Question

From the video titled How to formulate a hypothesis, choose a testable hypothesis that explains why fish might leap from the water. Identify each piece of the hypothesis.

a) Fish leap when they see predators to avoid being eaten. Independent variable: Water temperature. Dependent variable: Fish behavior.

b) Fish leap more in warmer water. Independent variable: Fish behavior. Dependent variable: Water temperature.

c) Fish leap to catch insects flying above the water. Independent variable: Fish behavior. Dependent variable: Presence of insects.

d) Fish leap when exposed to loud noises. Independent variable: Water depth. Dependent variable: Fish behavior.

Answer 1

Testable hypothesis that explains why fish might leap from the water. Identify each piece of the hypothesis is: a) Fish leap when they see predators to avoid being eaten. Independent variable: Water temperature. Dependent variable: Fish behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Formulating a testable hypothesis is a fundamental step in the scientific method of investigation. A hypothesis must clearly define the independent variable (IV), which is the cause or condition that is manipulated, and the dependent variable (DV), which is the effect or outcome that is measured. In the case of why fish might leap from the water, a testable hypothesis could relate to environmental factors, predator avoidance behavior, or foraging strategies.

From the provided options, a testable hypothesis is (a) "Fish leap when they see predators to avoid being eaten." In this scenario, the independent variable is the presence of predators, and the dependent variable is fish behavior in terms of leaping. We could design an experiment where we introduce a predator or a model of a predator and observe whether the frequency of fish leaping increases. This hypo thesis is testable, as it can be supported or refuted by empirical evidence gathered through experimentation. The answer is option a.