Question

a marine biologist is studying the humpback whale population around the hawaiian islands. in the summer, there are no humpback whales near the islands. however, in the late fall, many whales begin to migrate to the area to give birth to their young. they remain there over the course of the winter, and then all begin to migrate away again in the spring. which graph could show the number of humpback whales around the hawaiian islands from summer through spring?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the initial condition

In summer, there are no hump - back whales near the islands, so the graph should start at 0 on the y - axis (number of whales).

Step2: Consider the migration in late fall

In late fall, whales begin to migrate to the area, so the number of whales increases from 0.

Step3: Think about the winter period

They remain in the area over winter, so the number of whales stays relatively high for a period of time.

Step4: Analyze the spring migration

In spring, all whales begin to migrate away again, so the number of whales decreases back to 0.

Answer:

The second graph (from the top - right) is correct as it starts at 0 (summer), increases (late fall), stays high (winter) and then decreases back to 0 (spring).