Question

an ecologist hypothesizes that predation by a particular owl species is the major factor controlling the population of a particular rabbit species. if this is the case, which of the following population effects could be expected in this rabbit - owl pair?
a fall in the owl population should cause a fall in the rabbit population.
a fall in the rabbit population should cause an increase in the owl population.
an increase in the owl population should cause a fall in the rabbit population.
an r - selected species typically *
has an advantage in habitats that have unpredictable habitats
is large - bodied and long - lived.
lives in stable habitats
which of the following organisms best illustrates k - selection? *
the production of thousands of eggs every spring by frogs
mice that produce three litters of 10 - 15 babies in the course of a summer
a polar bear producing one or two cubs every three years
which of the following will likely decrease a populations size? *
improving the quality of its habitat
practicing sustainable resource management in its habitat
decreasing the food supply available to the population

Explanation:

• First question: Owls are predators of rabbits. If the owl population increases, they will hunt more rabbits, leading to a fall in the rabbit population.
• Second question: r - selected species are adapted to unpredictable habitats. They produce many offspring quickly.
• Third question: K - selected species have few offspring and invest a lot in each. A polar bear producing one or two cubs every three years is a K - selected trait.
• Fourth question: Decreasing the food supply available to the population will likely decrease its size as there is less resource to support the individuals.

Answer:

• First question: An increase in the owl population should cause a fall in the rabbit population.
• Second question: has an advantage in habitats that have unpredictable habitats.
• Third question: a polar bear producing one or two cubs every three years.
• Fourth question: decreasing the food supply available to the population.