Question

Use the graph above to determine if each statement (below) is accurate or inaccurate.%0D%0A%0D%0AScoring: Earn 1 point by getting 2 or 3 correct responses. Earn 2 points by getting 4 correct responses.%0D%0A%0D%0A(2 points)%0D%0AAccurate%09Inaccurate%0D%0AAn increase in the prey population causes a subsequent increase in the predator population because there is more food available for the predators.%09%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0AA decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult.%09%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0AThere must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive.%09%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0AThe two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random.

Answer 1

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.
- The graph shows prey peaks first and predator numbers rise afterward, consistent with predators responding to increased food.

2) A decrease in the prey population causes a subsequent decrease in the predator population because competition for food becomes more difficult. — Accurate.
- When prey fall, predator numbers drop afterward (starvation/reduced reproduction), as the graph shows.

3) There must always be a higher population of predators than prey in order for both populations to survive. — Inaccurate.
- The graph (and typical predator–prey systems) do not require predator numbers to exceed prey; usually prey outnumber predators.

4) The two populations have no affect on each other. The fluctuations are just random. — Inaccurate.
- The coupled, lagged oscillations indicate the populations affect each other, not random independent fluctuations.