Question

what conclusion is best supported by the population data in the table?
a when the moose population increases between 1995 - 2000, the wolf population decreased rapidly.
b the likely cause of the decline in the moose population between 1975 and 1985 was a decrease in predation by wolves.
c when the moose population decreases, the wolf popula begins to increase shortly after.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Option A

From the graph, when the moose population increases between 1995 - 2000, the wolf population does not decrease rapidly. Instead, it shows a relatively stable or slightly increasing trend in some parts.

Step2: Analyze Option B

The decline in the moose population between 1975 and 1985 is not likely due to a decrease in predation by wolves. As the moose population decreases, the wolf population also shows a decreasing trend (wolves rely on moose as a food source, so a decrease in moose would likely lead to a decrease in wolves, not a decrease in predation).

Step3: Analyze Option C

When the moose population decreases, the wolf population (which preys on moose) has less food. But after a short time, as the moose population stabilizes or there might be other factors (like wolves finding alternative food sources in the ecosystem to a limited extent or some time - lag in population response), the wolf population begins to increase shortly after. This is consistent with the general predator - prey relationship dynamics.

Answer:

C. When the moose population decreases, the wolf population begins to increase shortly after.