Question

this graph shows the results of a study on black-legged tick nymphs that are infected with the lyme disease bacterium. the density of infected nymphs was calculated for forest fragments of different sizes (area in hectares). answer the following questions using this graph. if a small forest fragment (less than 2.5 hectares in size) was found to have 0.01 infected nymph ticks per square meter, what characteristic would you expect this fragment to have?

Answer 1

If a small forest fragment (less than 2.5 hectares in size) was found to have 0.01 infected nymph ticks per square meter, it would likely be a relatively isolated fragment with limited connectivity to larger forested areas because the density of infected nymphs tends to decrease as forest fragment size decreases.

Smaller fragments are more susceptible to edge effects, which can lead to changes in microclimate and vegetation, making them less suitable habitat for ticks. Additionally, smaller fragments are less likely to be visited by host animals, such as deer and mice, which are essential for ticks to acquire the Lyme disease bacterium.

A small forest fragment with a low density of infected nymph ticks would likely be isolated, Edge-dominated and limited host availability.