Question

resource availability affects populations of organisms in an ecosystem. other factors such as predators, disease, and weather can also cause changes to populations as well. evaluate the graph showing the population of moose over time. infer possible explanations for changes in the population? choose all that apply.
a the moose had abundant food and limited predators in 1970.
b the carrying capacity of the moose population is around 600.
c the carrying capacity of the moose population is around 800.
d there was most likely an increase in predators from 1990 - 2000.
e in 1990, some sort of catastrophic event caused the death of more than half the moose.

Explanation:

• In 1970, the moose population was high (800), suggesting favorable conditions like abundant food and limited predators, supporting option A.
• The population seems to stabilize around 600 over time after fluctuations, indicating a carrying - capacity around 600, supporting option B.
• The population sharply drops in 1990 from around 600 to 300, likely due to a catastrophic event, supporting option E. There is no evidence for an increase in predators from 1990 - 2000 as the population is increasing during this period, so option D is incorrect. The carrying capacity is not 800 as the population doesn't sustain at that level, so option C is incorrect.

Answer:

A. The moose had abundant food and limited predators in 1970.
B. The carrying capacity of the moose population is around 600.
E. In 1990, some sort of catastrophic event caused the death of more than half the moose.