Question

The range of the North American bobcat (Rufus lynx) extends from Mexico and California to Canad. In the Midwestern states, the bobcat's range was greatly reduced when land was converted to agriculture; bobcat numbers decreased. Which is the most plausible result of range restriction on the Midwestern bobcat populations?

Answer 1

The most plausible result of range restriction on Midwestern bobcat populations would be a decrease in their overall numbers due to habitat loss and decreased availability of prey.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most plausible result of range restriction on the Midwestern bobcat populations would be a decrease in the overall population size. When land was converted to agriculture, it significantly reduced the bobcat's range, resulting in habitat loss and decreased availability of prey. As a result, the bobcat numbers in the Midwestern states would decrease.

This can be observed in other ecosystems as well, where range restriction of predator species leads to an imbalance in the prey population. For example, in Utah, fewer cougars led to an explosion in the deer population, which in turn affected vegetation and overall biodiversity. Therefore, the restriction of the bobcat's range in the Midwestern states would likely disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

To summarize, range restriction on the Midwestern bobcat populations would result in a decrease in their overall numbers due to habitat loss and decreased availability of prey.

Answer 2

The most plausible result of range restriction on the Midwestern bobcat populations is a decrease in their numbers. When an animal's habitat is reduced, the population that the habitat can support will also decrease. The bobcats that remain in the Midwestern states will have less space and resources to survive, which will lead to a decrease in their numbers. This is consistent with the statement that bobcat numbers decreased when land was converted to agriculture.