Question

Identify the dependent and independent variables in part 2 and make a scatter plot. What conclusion would you draw about whether exposure to cane toads is having a selective effect on the snakes? Explain.

Short answer

The conclusion drawn is that cane toad exposure appears to be selecting black snakes that are less impacted by the venom. And some are not at all affected by this exposure.

Step-by-step solution

About the experiment

The toxin released by the cane toad gland poisons snakes and other potential predators. This assignment will analyze data from a two-part experiment to determine if native Australian predators have acquired tolerance to the cane toad venom.

The dependent and independent variable

Time is an independent variable since it is unaffected by any other factors. The percent reduction in snake swimming rate following exposure to the cane toad, on the other hand, changes with time; hence, it is a dependent variable.

Cane toads effect on snakes

Snakes are particularly harmful to toads. Since the invasion of cane toads, the numbers of many native snake species have plummeted. Snakes can adapt more quickly to non-native toads the longer they are exposed to them.

Toads have toxin glands that are dangerous to snakes, so their adaptation may be reflected in their aquatic speed. After 60 years of exposure to cane toads, the percent loss of swimming speed (5%) is ten times smaller than after five years (52 percent).