Multiple Choice
What are the three common patterns of population distribution in ecology?
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50. Population Ecology
Introduction to Population Ecology
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What best explains the population cycles of snowshoe hares and lynxes?
A
Climate change
B
Predator-prey interactions
C
Habitat destruction
D
Genetic mutations
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the concept of predator-prey interactions. This is a biological phenomenon where the population sizes of two species are interconnected, typically with one species being the predator and the other the prey.
Consider the relationship between snowshoe hares and lynxes. Snowshoe hares serve as the primary prey for lynxes, which are their predators. This relationship is crucial in understanding their population cycles.
Examine how the population of hares affects the population of lynxes. When the hare population increases, there is more food available for lynxes, which can lead to an increase in the lynx population.
Analyze the impact of an increased lynx population on hares. As the number of lynxes rises, they consume more hares, leading to a decrease in the hare population.
Understand the cyclical nature of these interactions. As the hare population decreases, lynxes have less food, which can lead to a decline in their population. This allows the hare population to recover, starting the cycle anew.
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