Population genetics/ Community interaction question help

[redfoxindigo]

Hi there everyone,

I'm having some trouble with this one question and was wondering if anyone would help.

9) A population of great horned owls (Bubo bubo) is a 160km2 area in central Alberta increased over a three-year period (1966-69) from ten to eighteen birds. The population of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) increased seven times. The portion of nesting owls increased from 20% to 100%. The amount of hares in the owl's diet increased from 23% to 50%.

a) Write a problem that clearly identifies the manipulated and responding variables.
b) Present this data in a table.
c) Identify two variables that should remain fixed or constant during this research in order to produce reliable results.
d) Using the data, write a conclusion that explains the results gathered.

My question is, first of all, when they refer to problem in a), is that a mathematical problem or a word problem? And for either, how would you write it?
Second question, for b), how would you present this data in a table?
Third question, for c) what is the second variable? I know that the location of where the study took place is one.

Any help you can give on this question would be much appreciated. It is the last question on my assignment and I am about ready to pull my hair out...excuse the pun.

Sincerely,
Redfox

[redfoxindigo]

No one at all?

Really, anything help you can give to shed some light on these questions would be most apprieciated.