A science class wanted to test the effects of an intensifying El Niño event on the amount of rainfall in their local area in the southeastern United States. For a measure of El Niño intensity, they monitored sea surface temperatures off the coast of Ecuador for a six-month period by consulting an oceanography Web site. They measured rainfall locally with rain gauges for the same six-month period. a) Identify the control group, the independent variable, and the dependent variable in the study (6 points) b) Considering what they group was testing, identify a good conclusion statement for the study. (4pts) c) Calculate the average number of inches of rain per day that fell during the current El Nino year. (Remember that 1 inch = 2.45 cm). You must show all of your work for credit. (8 points) d) Sea surface temperatures that are too warm can damage sensitive biodiversity hotspots, such as coral reefs. Explain why this can have ecological consequences. (6 points)