Ascientist conducted an experiment to determine the effect of environment on the color of fur of a himalayan rabbit. the himalayan rabbit typically has a white coat except for its colder nose, feet, tail, and ears, which are black. the scientist shaved an area of hair on the back of each rabbit, then placed an ice pack over the shaved area on one rabbit (a).\

An independent variable refers to the variable, which is controlled or changed in a scientific examination to test the influences on the dependent variable. A dependent variable refers to the variable being tested and determined in a scientific experiment. A control variable is the one factor, which is not modified all through an experiment.  

In the given case, the second rabbit, B would be the control as it does not receive the special treatment. Rabbits being shaved is the independent variable, the color it turns is the dependent variable.