Question

in a forest ecosystem, wolves prey on rabbits. the graph below shows that the relationship between the populations of rabbits and wolves over time follows a predictable pattern. which of the following best explains this natural phenomenon? the rabbit population decreases as the rabbits migrate to escape predators, and the wolf population decreases as the wolves follow their prey. the rabbit population increases after a decrease in wolf population because wolves and rabbits compete for some of the same resources. the populations of wolves and rabbits increase at the same rate when environmental conditions are favorable and decrease when conditions are unfavorable. the wolf population increases after an increase in rabbit population, and then decreases when rabbits are less readily available.

Explanation:

In a predator - prey relationship (wolves - rabbits), when the rabbit population (prey) increases, there is more food available for wolves (predators), so the wolf population increases. As the wolf population increases, they hunt more rabbits, causing the rabbit population to decrease. With fewer rabbits (less food), the wolf population then decreases. This is a classic predator - prey dynamic.

• The first option about migration is not indicated by the graph which shows population changes over time in the same ecosystem, not migration.
• Wolves and rabbits are in a predator - prey relationship, not a competitive relationship (so the second option is wrong).
• The third option about same - rate increase/decrease is incorrect as predator - prey populations have a lagged relationship (predator population change lags behind prey population change), not a same - rate change.

Answer:

The wolf population increases after an increase in rabbit population, and then decreases when rabbits are less readily available.