Question
Oscillation of Predator and Prey Populations
Source: Oxford Designers & Illustrators Ltd/Pearson Education Ltd
On the graph (above), a healthy, stable predator-prey oscillation is shown. The blue line represents the population of a prey species, while the red line represents the population of a predator species. Assume that this specific predator eats this specific prey.
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
An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.
There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.
A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.
The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.
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Source: Oxford Designers & Illustrators Ltd/Pearson Education Ltd
On the graph (above), a healthy, stable predator-prey oscillation is shown. The blue line represents the population of a prey species, while the red line represents the population of a predator species. Assume that this specific predator eats this specific prey.
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
An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.
There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.
A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.
The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.
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Answers
GPT-4o mini
Let's analyze each statement regarding predator-prey oscillations based on the dynamics typically seen in ecological models like the Lotka-Volterra equations:
1. **An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.**
- **Accurate.** This statement reflects the classic predator-prey relationship where a rise in prey leads to more food for predators, which can support a larger predator population.
2. **There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.**
- **Inaccurate.** This statement is not necessarily true. While both populations affect each other, it is not required for predators to outnumber prey for their populations to coexist. In fact, a stable ecosystem often has a balance where prey outnumbers predators.
3. **A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.**
- **Accurate.** When the prey population decreases, there is less food available for the predators, which can lead to a decline in the predator population as they struggle to find enough resources.
4. **The two populations have no effect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.**
- **Inaccurate.** This statement contradicts ecological principles; predator and prey populations are deeply interconnected, and their fluctuations are not random but rather dependent on each other's populations.
Based on the analysis:
- Accurate statements: 1 and 3
- Inaccurate statements: 2 and 4
You have 2 accurate responses, which means you earn **1 point** according to the scoring system provided.
1. **An increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.**
- **Accurate.** This statement reflects the classic predator-prey relationship where a rise in prey leads to more food for predators, which can support a larger predator population.
2. **There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.**
- **Inaccurate.** This statement is not necessarily true. While both populations affect each other, it is not required for predators to outnumber prey for their populations to coexist. In fact, a stable ecosystem often has a balance where prey outnumbers predators.
3. **A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.**
- **Accurate.** When the prey population decreases, there is less food available for the predators, which can lead to a decline in the predator population as they struggle to find enough resources.
4. **The two populations have no effect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.**
- **Inaccurate.** This statement contradicts ecological principles; predator and prey populations are deeply interconnected, and their fluctuations are not random but rather dependent on each other's populations.
Based on the analysis:
- Accurate statements: 1 and 3
- Inaccurate statements: 2 and 4
You have 2 accurate responses, which means you earn **1 point** according to the scoring system provided.