Question
4. What most likely caused the rabbit population to decrease over the first time unit shown in the foll A. A disease in the population of rabbits. B. A decreasing population of grasses. C. An increasing population of hawks D. A higher than normal population of snakes
Answer
4
(169 Votes)
Owen
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
To answer the question, we need to analyze the given information about the interactions between the populations of hawks, rabbits, snakes, and grasses as depicted in the graph.Step 1: Analyze the initial trends of each population.- The hawk population (blue curve) initially decreases then increases.- The rabbit population (green curve) initially increases then decreases.- The snake population (black curve) increases then decreases.- The grass population (purple curve) decreases then increases.Step 2: Determine the interactions between the populations.- Hawks are predators that could prey on rabbits and possibly snakes.- Rabbits are herbivores that feed on grasses.- Snakes could be predators of rabbits and possibly compete with hawks for food.- Grass is the food source for rabbits and possibly for other herbivores.Step 3: Examine the point of intersection between the rabbit and hawk populations.- The hawk intersects with the rabbit at (1, 100), which means that at year 1, both populations are at the same percentage of balance.