Question

Analyze the graph and identify some factors that may contribute to the rotifer population leveling off in the absence of water fleas.


In 2-3 sentences, simplify this answer and make it coherent for 9th grade.

By definition, leveling off is staying the same after a period of increase. We can see that there is no continuous increase for rotifers near the bottom of the graph. That can be explained by the species' carrying capacity and codependency. Each species needs the other in order to survive.

Answer 1

The rotifer population levels off, meaning it stops increasing, because it reaches its carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of rotifers that can live in that environment. Without water fleas, which the rotifers rely on for survival, they can't keep growing, leading to a stable but low number. This shows how some species depend on each other to thrive.