Question

questions 1 through 3 refer to the following.
figure 1 shows the population sizes for the moose population and the wolf population on isle royale.
population of wolves and moose
on isle royale, 1950 - 2005
2
mark for review
which of the following best explains the change in the moose population from 1995 to 1997
athe large moose population led to a significant increase in the wolf population from 1995 to 1996, leading to increased predation of moose by wolves.
bthe high density of moose in the population led to a large number of moose emigrating from the island in search of mates and territory.
cplants in the area could not support the large population of moose in 1995.
dthe small number of wolves on the island could not support the large number of moose in 1995.

Explanation:

Looking at the graph, when the moose population is large (high - density), wolves (predators) have more food. From 1995 to 1996, if the moose population is large (as per the x - axis of the graph which represents the number of moose), wolves (the predator species) would have more resources (moose to eat). According to the predator - prey relationship concept in ecology, an increase in prey (moose) population can lead to an increase in predator (wolf) population due to more available food.

Answer:

A. The large moose population led to a significant increase in the wolf population from 1995 to 1996, leading to increased predation of moose by wolves.