Final answer:
In Schulte's study on Chesapeake Bay oyster restoration, the independent variable would be actions like introducing disease-resistant oysters or creating reefs, while the dependent variable would be the oysters' population density and reproductive success.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Schulte's study regarding the restoration of native oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, the independent variable would typically be the conditions that are manipulated by the researchers, such as the introduction of disease-resistant oyster varieties or the construction of experimental oyster reefs.
The dependent variable, on the other hand, would be the outcome that the researchers are measuring, which in this case is likely to be the population density and reproductive efficiency of the oysters.
Efforts to restore the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay are critical not only for the revival of a once-thriving industry but also for the ecological benefits that oysters provide, such as water filtration. However, restoration has been complicated by factors including pollution from various states, showcasing the need for interstate cooperation.