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Multiple Choice
How might a period of unusually hot summers affect the population of rabbits in a temperate ecosystem?
A
The rabbit population will increase because hot weather promotes rapid reproduction.
B
The rabbit population may decrease due to heat stress and reduced food availability.
C
There will be no effect on the rabbit population, as rabbits are unaffected by temperature changes.
D
The rabbit population will migrate to colder regions, resulting in a global increase in their numbers.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the problem: The question asks how unusually hot summers might affect the rabbit population in a temperate ecosystem. Consider factors such as heat stress, food availability, and migration behavior.
Step 1: Analyze the physiological impact of heat stress on rabbits. Rabbits, like many animals, can experience heat stress during extreme temperatures, which may lead to reduced survival rates and lower reproduction.
Step 2: Evaluate the impact of hot summers on food availability. In a temperate ecosystem, unusually hot weather can lead to droughts, reducing the availability of vegetation that rabbits rely on for food. This scarcity can further stress the population.
Step 3: Consider migration behavior. Rabbits are not typically known for long-distance migration to escape heat. Instead, they may seek local shelter or adapt their behavior, but migration to colder regions is unlikely to be a significant factor.
Step 4: Rule out incorrect options. The rabbit population is unlikely to increase due to heat stress and reduced food availability. Additionally, rabbits are affected by temperature changes, so the option stating no effect is incorrect. Migration to colder regions is also not a typical response for rabbits.