1. The problem asks whether the given curve is the graph of a function. 2. A function must pass the vertical line test: any vertical line drawn through the graph should intersect it at most once. 3. The curve is symmetric about the horizontal axis and passes through points near (-2,0), (0,2), and (0,-2). 4. At $x=0$, the curve intersects the vertical line twice, at $y=2$ and $y=-2$. 5. Since a vertical line at $x=0$ intersects the curve more than once, the curve fails the vertical line test. 6. Therefore, the curve is not the graph of a function. Final answer: No, it is not a function.