Question

The graph shown above is from one of the most well-known and on-going ecological studies ever performed. Isle Royal National Park, an island on Lake Superior, keeps data of populations of wolves and moose living there. The moose are a major food source for the wolves.

Analyze the graph data to conclude how the moose population affects the population of wolves.
Responses
A As moose populations increase, wolf populations immediately increase.As moose populations increase, wolf populations immediately increase.
B As wolf population falls, moose populations fall with a delayed effect.As wolf population falls, moose populations fall with a delayed effect.
C Moose populations don't really show any relationship to wolf carrying capacity.Moose populations don't really show any relationship to wolf carrying capacity.
D The wolf carrying-capacity rises as moose populations increase, but with a delayed effect.

Answer 1

D The wolf carrying-capacity rises as moose populations increase, but with a delayed effect.

This conclusion can be drawn from the data presented in the graph, which shows that as moose populations increase, wolf populations also increase, but with a delay. This is indicative of the fact that the availability of food source (moose) affects the carrying capacity of the wolves on the island, leading to fluctuations in their populations.