Question

1.3 sustaining terrestrial ecosystems

when a wolf catches a hare, the hare suffers. however, there are benefits to the hare species. give two ways the hare species benefits.

Explanation:

Identify ecological context

The question is set in Terrestrial Ecosystems and describes a classic Predator-Prey Dynamics relationship between a wolf (predator) and a hare (prey). While an individual hare suffers when caught, we must analyze how the hare species as a whole benefits from this predation.

Analyze population regulation

Predators prevent prey populations from exceeding the carrying capacity of their habitat. Without wolves, the hare population would grow exponentially, leading to overgrazing, depletion of food resources, and eventual mass starvation or disease outbreaks. Predation keeps the population stable.

Analyze natural selection

Predators typically capture the weakest, oldest, slowest, or diseased individuals. By removing these individuals from the gene pool, wolves ensure that only the healthiest and most adapted hares survive to reproduce. This drives natural selection, improving the overall genetic health and fitness of the hare species.

Answer:

When a wolf catches a hare, the hare suffers. However, there are benefits to the hare species. Give two ways the hare species benefits.

1. <blank>Predation controls the population size, preventing overpopulation and resource depletion.</blank>
2. <blank>Predators target weak or diseased individuals, which strengthens the gene pool through natural selection.</blank>