Answer:
IF salinity is increased, THEN the growth of Staghorn coral will decline
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observed problem or asked question. It aims at providing a suggestible explanation to the problem, which must be subjected to testing via conducting an experiment. It usually has an IF, THEN statement format.
In this case involving Abby and Emma wanting to test how salinity ranges affect the growth of Staghorn Coral in the Florida Keys, a hypothesis of this problem can be: IF salinity is increased, THEN the growth of Staghorn coral will decline.
This hypothesis gives a possible solution to the problem of how ranges of salinity can affect the Coral's growth. However, the result of testing of this hypothesis via an experiment will determine whether it will be accepted or rejected.