Question

based on this model, the researchers argued that the interaction between the elk and wolf populations can maintain the stability of the ecosystem as it experiences changes in climate. which of the following pieces of additional information would be most helpful in evaluating this claim?
a. how the reproductive success of the elk population is affected by increasing rates of mortality from predation
b. how the survival of the wolf population is affected by increases in the elk population
c. how the survival probability of an individual elk is affected by increasing winter snow depth
d. how the reproductive success of the wolf population is affected by decreases in scavenger populations
image courtesy of wilmers and getz 2005 plos biology licensed under cc by 4.0
chart: % change (y - axis: -80 to 0), months nov - apr, two lines: w/ wolves (red) and w/o wolves (blue), with error bars

Explanation:

To evaluate if elk - wolf interaction maintains ecosystem stability under climate change, we need info on how climate (like winter snow depth) affects elk survival (a key part of the interaction). Option C focuses on how an elk's survival probability changes with winter snow depth. This relates to climate change (snow depth is a climate - related factor) and the elk - wolf interaction (since wolf predation and elk survival are part of that interaction). Option A is about elk reproductive success and predation mortality, not climate. Option B is about wolf survival and elk population, not climate. Option D is about wolf reproductive success and scavengers, not relevant to elk - wolf - climate interaction.

Answer:

C. how the survival probability of an individual elk is affected by increasing winter snow depth