Zinc deficiency affects the skin and gastrointestinal tract; brain and central nervous system, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Zinc deficiency in humans is caused by reduced dietary intake, inadequate absorption, increased loss, or increased body system use. The most common cause is reduced dietary intake.
Actually, it could indeed be the independent variable.
Answer: Internal fertilization
Explanation: Most birds and reptiles undergoes internal fertilization in which the sperm cells are ejected and fertilizes the egg cell inside the body of the animal.