Final answer:
An independent variable is a factor that affects the behavior of a system, such as an animal or ecosystem. In biology, these include environmental factors like temperature and water availability that can influence population dynamics and homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A factor that affects the behavior of a system is called an independent variable. In the context of biology, particularly ecology and animal behavior, the term pertains to abiotic factors or other types of environmental changes that can influence how populations, communities, and ecosystems function. For instance, temperature changes, water availability, or light intensity are all examples of abiotic factors that can have direct impacts on an animal's behavior or an organism's homeostasis. These factors can affect growth rates, feeding patterns, reproductive behavior, and overall survival of various species within an ecosystem.
Understanding how these factors influence a biological system is crucial for predicting changes in behavior or the stability of ecosystems. Moreover, in a scientific experiment, this independent variable is what the experimenter would manipulate to observe its effects on the dependent variable, also known as the outcome variable. This interaction is essential in establishing the cause-and-effect relationship in studies related to ecology and animal behavior.