Question

Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) is the most common plant species in the Everglades, providing animal habitat, water filtration, and soil erosion prevention. As sea levels rise, saltwater is moving into the freshwater systems of the Everglades. To investigate the effect of this saltwater intrusion on sawgrass, an FIU graduate student measured the concentration of salt in the water (ppm) and the growth rate (mm/day) of 50 patches of sawgrass randomly distributed throughout Everglades National Park. You have been provided with these data.

Based on these observations, we could put forth the following question: Does saltwater intrusion affect the growth rate of sawgrass?

For the study above, identify the following: (4 points)

a. Population:

b. Sample:

c. Parameter:

d. Statistics:

23. For the study above, identify the following: (3 points)

e. Dependent Variable:

f. Independent Variable:

g. Is the independent variable categorical or numerical?

24. Write a null and alternative statistical hypothesis for this study. Remember the wording specific to linear regression analysis! (2 Points)

Answer 1

a. Population: Sawgrass in Everglades

b. Sample: 50 patches of sawgrass randomly distributed throughout Everglades National Park

c. Parameter: the growth rate of Sawgrass in Everglades

d. Statistics: Mean growth rate of Sawgrass in Everglades

23.

e. Dependent Variable: the growth rate of Sawgrass in Everglades

f. Independent Variable: concentration of salt in the water (ppm)

g. The independent variable concentration of salt in the water is numerical (quantitative).

24.

The regression model is defined as,

Null hypothesis: There is no effect of salt intrusion on the growth rate of sawgrass, i.e.

Alternative hypothesis: There is a significant effect of salt intrusion on the growth rate of sawgrass