Color Preference of Hummingbirds: A Test of Optimism

What was the independent variable in the student's experiment?

A) Hummingbird feeder size

B) Hummingbird feeder color

C) Amount of food the hummingbirds drank

D) Number of days she did the experiment

Answer: B

Explanation: The independent variable in the student's experiment was the hummingbird feeder color.

The student conducted an experiment to test if hummingbirds are drawn to the color red. She hung 4 hummingbird feeders in a tree, each a different color: red, blue, green, and yellow. Every day, she filled each feeder with hummingbird food and measured how much food the hummingbirds drank from each feeder over 7 days. The independent variable, in this case, was the color of the hummingbird feeders.

By changing the color of the feeders and observing the behavior of the hummingbirds, the student could determine if the color of the feeder influenced the hummingbirds' preference for feeding. This type of experiment helps researchers understand the factors that attract hummingbirds and can lead to insights on how to effectively attract and support these beautiful birds.

Overall, the student's experiment was an exciting exploration into the color preferences of hummingbirds, and the results could potentially contribute valuable knowledge to the scientific community studying these fascinating creatures.