Final answer:
In a predator-prey system with hawks as predators and rabbits as prey, population dynamics are cyclical with the predator population lagging behind the prey. These cycles are influenced by both predation and density-dependent factors such as prey fecundity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In studying a predator-prey system with finite food resources for the prey, which comprises hawks (predators) and rabbits (prey), we can expect a number of dynamics based on historical data. When the prey population increases, the predator population also grows due to the greater availability of food. However, when the predator population reaches a certain threshold, it reduces the prey population significantly, leading to a decrease in the predator population due to lack of food. Over time, this leads to cyclical behavior in both populations, with the predator numbers typically lagging a few years behind the prey.
Recent studies have suggested that this cyclical pattern is not solely due to predation but also includes density-dependent factors like lower fecundity in prey due to crowding. This complexity introduces more sophistication into models of population dynamics, making the relationship between predators and prey a balance that includes multiple interacting effects.