Question

1.3 sustaining terrestrial ecosystems

b) why do the declines and increases in the lynx population occur after similar changes in the hare population?

blank # 1
blank # 2

Explanation:

Analyze the ecological relationship

This question explores Terrestrial Ecosystems and Ecological Relationships, specifically the classic predator-prey dynamic between the Canada lynx and the snowshoe hare.

Explain the population lag

The lynx is a specialist predator that relies almost entirely on the hare for food. When the hare population increases, there is more food available, which eventually allows the lynx population to reproduce more successfully and grow. However, this reproductive response takes time (gestation, raising young), creating a lag.

Explain the population decline

Conversely, when the hare population crashes, the food supply for the lynx disappears. The lynx population does not starve instantly; it takes time for starvation, reduced birth rates, and migration to cause a measurable decline in the lynx population, resulting in a delayed decline.

Answer:

Question 1

b) Why do the declines and increases in the lynx population occur after similar changes in the hare population?

Blank # 1 <blank>The lynx is a predator that relies on the hare as its primary food source, so changes in the prey population directly determine the food availability for the predator.</blank>

Blank # 2 <blank>There is a time lag because it takes time for the lynx population to reproduce and increase in response to more food, or to starve and decrease when food is scarce.</blank>