Question

10 (very dry) with zero representing the long-term average. look at the graph showing the populations of both wolves and elk. which statements describe the relationship between the elk population and the wolf population?
□ from 1995 to 2003, the elk population decreased as the wolf population increased.
□ from 2008 to 2013, the elk population increased as the wolf population decreased.
□ from 1995 to 2003, the elk population increased as the wolf population increased.
□ from 2008 to 2013, the elk population decreased as the wolf population decreased.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the graph (left one for wolves and elk populations) over the given time periods:

Analyzing 1995–2003:

• Elk population (green line): Decreases (starts ~14 elk/km², ends ~8 elk/km²).
• Wolf population (blue line): Increases (starts ~20 wolves/1000 km², ends ~95 wolves/1000 km²).

Thus, “From 1995 to 2003, the elk population decreased as the wolf population increased” is correct.

Analyzing 2008–2013:

• Elk population (green line): Decreases (starts ~6 elk/km², ends ~4 elk/km²).
• Wolf population (blue line): Decreases (starts ~50 wolves/1000 km², ends ~35 wolves/1000 km²).

Thus, “From 2008 to 2013, the elk population decreased as the wolf population decreased” is correct.

Eliminating incorrect options:

• “From 1995 to 2003, the elk population increased as the wolf population increased” is wrong (elk decreased, wolf increased).
• “From 2008 to 2013, the elk population increased as the wolf population decreased” is wrong (elk decreased, wolf decreased).

Answer:

• From 1995 to 2003, the elk population decreased as the wolf population increased.
• From 2008 to 2013, the elk population decreased as the wolf population decreased.