Question
14 The population of deer in a certain area is monitored over a period of six years. The data is represented in the graph provided. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the change in population in 2009?
(1 point)
Responses
Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.
Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.
Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual.
Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual.
More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem.
More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem.
Snowfall in the previous spring was higher than the yearly average.
(1 point)
Responses
Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.
Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.
Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual.
Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual.
More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem.
More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem.
Snowfall in the previous spring was higher than the yearly average.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To determine the most likely explanation for the change in deer population in 2009, we need to consider the potential impacts of each option on deer populations.
1. **Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer:** This could lead to competition for food resources, potentially decreasing the deer population if the grazing animals significantly reduce the available vegetation.
2. **Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual:** If predator populations are reduced (by being hunted), this can lead to an increase in the deer population, not a decline.
3. **More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem:** While this can benefit the overall ecosystem, it generally does not have a direct negative impact on deer populations.
4. **Snowfall in the previous spring was higher than the yearly average:** Increased snowfall can make it more difficult for deer to find food during winter, leading to starvation or decreased reproduction rates.
Given these options, the most likely explanation for a negative change in the deer population in 2009 is:
**Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.**
This scenario would likely create competition for food resources, negatively affecting the deer population.
1. **Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer:** This could lead to competition for food resources, potentially decreasing the deer population if the grazing animals significantly reduce the available vegetation.
2. **Wild dogs, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual:** If predator populations are reduced (by being hunted), this can lead to an increase in the deer population, not a decline.
3. **More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the ecosystem:** While this can benefit the overall ecosystem, it generally does not have a direct negative impact on deer populations.
4. **Snowfall in the previous spring was higher than the yearly average:** Increased snowfall can make it more difficult for deer to find food during winter, leading to starvation or decreased reproduction rates.
Given these options, the most likely explanation for a negative change in the deer population in 2009 is:
**Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.**
This scenario would likely create competition for food resources, negatively affecting the deer population.