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Looking at the effects of predation by domestic cats on numbers of various species of songbirds would be considered what level of study?

a) Organismal ecology
b) Population ecology
c) Community ecology
d) Ecosystem ecology
e) Landscape ecology

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The study of the impact of domestic cat predation on songbird populations is considered community ecology, which examines interactions within and among different species in a particular area.

Step-by-step explanation:

Looking at the effects of predation by domestic cats on numbers of various species of songbirds would be considered community ecology. This level of ecological study focuses on the interactions within and among different species in a particular area. When we talk about community ecology, we're engaging with the complex web of predator-prey dynamics, for instance, the way domestic cats impact the bird populations they prey upon. This can influence not only the individual numbers of various songbird species but can also affect the overall health and structure of the ecological community.

It is important to distinguish between the different levels of ecological study. While organismal ecology is concerned with how an organism's structure, physiology, and (for animals) behavior meet the challenges posed by their environment, it is not the right match in this case. Population ecology would be dealing more with the quantitative aspect of how populations change over time for a single species, instead of the interactions between multiple species. For an all-encompassing view that includes abiotic elements, such as soil, water, and air, one would study ecosystem ecology.

Given the multiple incorrect options provided, which mischaracterize the scopes of organismal, population, and community ecology, it is crucial to fully understand each level's focus to avoid confusion. Therefore, analyzing the impact of predation by cats on songbirds pertains clearly to the study of community ecology.

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