Question

The statement which describes a predator-prey cycle.

a) A constant increase in the prey population with no impact on the predator population.
b) Recurring patterns of population fluctuations where predator and prey abundances rise and fall cyclically.
c) Predators that always outnumber prey, leading to constant predation pressure.
d) A one-time increase in predator population causing a long-term decrease in prey population.

Answer 1

The correct statement describing a predator-prey cycle is recurrent fluctuations in predator and prey populations that rise and fall cyclically, exemplified by the dynamic between lynx and snowshoe hares.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement which describes a predator-prey cycle is b) Recurring patterns of population fluctuations where predator and prey abundances rise and fall cyclically. This pattern can be observed in nature, such as the case of the lynx (predator) and the snowshoe hare (prey). For instance, as the number of hares increases, there is more food for the lynx, leading to an increase in the lynx population. However, once the lynx population reaches a certain size, they kill so many hares that the hare population begins to decline. Subsequently, with fewer prey available, the lynx population also declines due to a scarcity of food. After this, the hare population begins to grow again, partly due to the reduced predation pressure, and the cycle starts anew.