Question

which of the following identifies an appropriate inference based on the data provided?
when the gazelle population increases, the lion population decreases.
when the gazelle population increases, the lion population is healthy enough to reproduce, creating more offspring.
when the gazelle population decreases, the lion population is healthy enough to reproduce, creating more offspring.
when the lion population increases, it scares off the gazelles,
predator and prey populations

Explanation:

In a predator - prey relationship, an increase in prey (gazelle) population provides more food for predators (lions). With sufficient food, the lion population can be healthy enough to reproduce, leading to an increase in the lion population.

• The first option “When the gazelle population increases, the lion population decreases” is incorrect as more prey should support more predators.
• The third option “When the gazelle population decreases, the lion population is healthy enough to reproduce, creating more offspring” is wrong because a decrease in prey would likely lead to less food for lions, not more reproduction.
• The fourth option “When the lion population increases, it scares off the gazelles” is not a typical ecological relationship based on the predator - prey model shown in the graph. The graph implies a relationship based on food availability (prey population) affecting predator population (through reproduction due to food availability), not a “scaring off” mechanism.

Answer:

When the gazelle population increases, the lion population is healthy enough to reproduce, creating more offspring.