Question

Board

7
2 point
A study was conducted on the population size of primary consumers observed in the Great
Plains of the United States. The graph below shows changes in their population numbers over
a 7 year period
ndar
300-
OK
3
250-
200
sory
150
100-
dio
50-
slp
year
ОООО
Which statements most likely explains the changes in carrying capacity over this 7 year period?
A new source of prey was introduced between years 3 and 4
The primary consumer populations were depleted between years 0 and 2
A new population of primary consumers emigrated between years 0 and 2
The introduction of a new species of primary consumer occurred between years 3 and 4
9
10

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for changes in carrying capacity is option A, as the abrupt increase in primary consumer population between years 3 and 4 suggests the introduction of a new prey source.

Option A is the most likely explanation for changes in carrying capacity. The graph indicates an abrupt decrease in organism population between years 3 and 4, suggesting the introduction of a new prey source. Options B and C involve population depletion or emigration, which contradicts the observed population increase.

Option D implies the introduction of a new species, but the graph specifically mentions a new source of prey, aligning with the abrupt population change, making Option A the most plausible explanation for the observed dynamics in the Great Plains.

Answer 2

A new source of prey was introduced between years 3 and 4

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer would be that a new source of prey was introduced between years 3 and 4.

The carrying capacity of an environment is defined as the maximum number of individuals of a species the environment can support based on the resources it has.

The population of the primary consumers grew between year 0 and 2 before stabilizing between year 2 and 4. There was a sharp decrease in the population between year 4 and 5 and this can best be explained to be due to the effects of a newly introduced prey in the environment between the years 3 and 4.