Question
3. Use the graph above to determine if each statement (below) is accurate or inaccurate.
Scoring: Earn 1 point by getting 2 or 3 correct responses. Earn 2 points by getting 4 correct responses.
(2 points)
Accurate Inaccurate
The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.
A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.
There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.
An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.
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Scoring: Earn 1 point by getting 2 or 3 correct responses. Earn 2 points by getting 4 correct responses.
(2 points)
Accurate Inaccurate
The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.
A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.
There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.
An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.
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Answers
GPT-4o mini
To evaluate the accuracy of the statements based on a predator-prey population graph, let’s analyze each statement individually:
1. **The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.**
**Inaccurate** - In predator-prey dynamics, the populations are usually interdependent. Fluctuations in one population often affect the other.
2. **A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.**
**Accurate** - If there are fewer prey available, it would lead to a decrease in the predator population due to starvation or reduced reproduction rates.
3. **There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.**
**Inaccurate** - Generally, predator populations are lower than prey populations for balance in ecosystems. A higher number of predators than prey can lead to prey extinction.
4. **An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.**
**Accurate** - When prey populations increase, it provides more food for the predators, which can lead to an increase in the predator population as well.
Based on this analysis, the results are:
- **Inaccurate** for statement 1.
- **Accurate** for statement 2.
- **Inaccurate** for statement 3.
- **Accurate** for statement 4.
With 2 accurate statements (2 and 4), you earn **1 point**.
1. **The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.**
**Inaccurate** - In predator-prey dynamics, the populations are usually interdependent. Fluctuations in one population often affect the other.
2. **A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.**
**Accurate** - If there are fewer prey available, it would lead to a decrease in the predator population due to starvation or reduced reproduction rates.
3. **There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.**
**Inaccurate** - Generally, predator populations are lower than prey populations for balance in ecosystems. A higher number of predators than prey can lead to prey extinction.
4. **An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.**
**Accurate** - When prey populations increase, it provides more food for the predators, which can lead to an increase in the predator population as well.
Based on this analysis, the results are:
- **Inaccurate** for statement 1.
- **Accurate** for statement 2.
- **Inaccurate** for statement 3.
- **Accurate** for statement 4.
With 2 accurate statements (2 and 4), you earn **1 point**.