Ecology of rest

Use the passage to answer the question.

A) in a short paragraph, propose a hypothesis to test the effect of a zoned reserve on mule deer populations. Justify your hypothesis based on your knowledge of zoned reserves.

This image shows a male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), which is native to westen North America. Named for their large ears, mule deer are hunted for sport and food under strict management practices, such as designated hunting seasons and limits on how many deer a hunter can take

B) In 1-2 short paragraphs, outline a field experiment to test your hypothesis on the effect of a zoned reserve on mule deer populations. Describe your control group, experimental group, and the data you would collect. Identify at least two environmental factors that could affect your data collection and how you would address them, if possible.

Imagine a scenario where the local mule deer population has declined after a harsh winter Wildlife management agencies have proposed establishing a zoned reserve in the middle of one huntable parcel of land to help the mule deer population recover. Even though other huntable parcels of land would not be affected, local hunters oppose the reserve. They express concerns that the zoned reserve will limit where they can hunt and the mule deer will congregate in the reserve

(8 points)

1 answer

A) The hypothesis to test the effect of a zoned reserve on mule deer populations could be that the establishment of a zoned reserve will lead to an increase in mule deer population density within the reserve compared to areas outside of the reserve. This hypothesis is based on the known benefits of zoned reserves in providing a protected area for wildlife to thrive and recover their populations.

B) To test this hypothesis, a field experiment could be conducted by dividing the parcels of land into two groups: one with the zoned reserve (experimental group) and one without (control group). Data collection could involve monitoring the mule deer population density, distribution, and overall health within both groups over a set period of time. Environmental factors that could affect data collection include weather conditions (e.g. extreme temperatures, precipitation) and human disturbances (e.g. hunting pressure, recreational activities). To address these factors, researchers could use remote sensing technology to monitor mule deer movements and behavior, as well as implement strict protocols to minimize human disturbances in the study area.