Question

practice it!
select the statement(s) that accurately describe how predation impacts populations of organisms.
the prey population can potentially decrease, especially if the number of predators increases.
as predators hunt more, the prey population will increase.
if prey populations decrease due to too many predators, the predator population may also be impacted.
the ability to hunt and find food allows the predator species to flourish and potentially increase their population size.
if predator populations increase, the prey population will not be impacted.

Explanation:

• First statement: When predators increase, they consume more prey, so prey population can decrease. This is a basic predator - prey relationship concept.
• Second statement: If predators hunt more, more prey are killed. So the prey population will decrease, not increase.
• Third statement: If prey populations decrease (due to over - predation), predators may face food scarcity. This can lead to a decrease in the predator population (e.g., through starvation, reduced reproduction).
• Fourth statement: If predators are good at hunting and finding food (prey), they have more resources for survival and reproduction, which can lead to an increase in their population size.
• Fifth statement: If predator populations increase, they need more food (prey). So the prey population will be impacted (decrease), not remain unchanged.

Answer:

• The prey population can potentially decrease, especially if the number of predators increases.
• If prey populations decrease due to too many predators, the predator population may also be impacted.
• The ability to hunt and find food allows the predator species to flourish and potentially increase their population size.