Question 1

Question

A researcher is recording and monitoring data about a population of plankton-eating fish. When she analyzes the data, she notes a population change that starts at point D.

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Which is the best prediction to test in an investigation to explain why the population changed at point D?

a
The fish entered into a mutualistic relationship with another organism.
b
People released an invasive species of fish into the ecosystem.
c
The number of predators in the area has decreased.
d
Increased water clarity caused an increase in plankton density.
Question 2
Scientists study a population of crop pest insects in wheat farmlands. They create a graph of the population data, shown.

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When does the insect population show it has reached carrying capacity?

a
July
b
February
c
September
d
August

Answer 1

c
The insect population shows it has reached carrying capacity in September, where the graph levels off and reaches a steady state.

Answer 2

can you answer both questions

Answer 3

Sure! For question 1, the best prediction to test in an investigation to explain why the population changed at point D would be:

d. Increased water clarity caused an increase in plankton density.

For question 2, the insect population shows it has reached carrying capacity in:

c. September.