Question

which of these statements best explains the situation represented by the graph.
the lynx population is larger than the hare population.
the hare population increases when there are many lynx.
the hare population remains stable while the lynx population varies.
the lynx population increases when there are many hares.

Explanation:

In a predator - prey relationship (like lynx and hare), when there are many prey (hares), the predators (lynxes) have more food. This allows the lynx population to increase. Looking at the graph, when the hare population is high (blue line peaks), the lynx population (red line) tends to increase afterwards.

• The first option is wrong because the hare population is often larger (e.g., in 1865, hare population is much higher than lynx).
• The second option is wrong. When there are many lynxes (predators), they eat more hares, so hare population should decrease.
• The third option is wrong. The hare population (blue line) varies significantly.

Answer:

The lynx population increases when there are many hares.