Question

The graph shows the population of alligators and mosquitoes in a pond ecosystem where cricket frogs live.

A graph with the title Species Population is shown. The y axis title is Population and next to it is an arrow pointing upwards. The x axis title is Year and the values 1, 2, 3 4. 5 are marked on the x axis. A solid slanting graph line is shown sloping gently downwards. A straight broken graph line is shown. A key is shown at the bottom right of the graph. Next to the straight line is written Mosquitoes and next to the broken line is written Alligators.

How will this impact the population of cricket frogs over time?

Decreases because the number of predators increases
Increases because the number of predators increases
Decreases because the number of prey decreases
Increases because the number of prey decreases

Answer 1

This will impact the population of cricket frogs over time due to decreases because the number of predators increases. Hence the correct option is 1.

The population dynamics depicted in the graph, with a slanting downward trend for mosquitoes (prey) and a straight broken line for alligators (predators), suggests an ecological relationship that can influence the population of cricket frogs. As the number of alligators, the predators, increases, it is likely to exert predation pressure on the mosquito population. Since mosquitoes are considered prey for alligators, a rise in the predator population often leads to a decrease in the prey population.

This ecological interdependence could negatively impact cricket frogs, as a reduction in their prey base (mosquitoes) may result in a decrease in the cricket frog population over time. Therefore, the trend in the graph implies a potential cascading effect on the cricket frog population due to changes in the populations of their prey and predators within the pond ecosystem. Hence the correct option is 1.