Question

question 7 of 10
an area near a forest was monitored by researchers. the first graph shows the change in the amount of ground - shade during a five - year period. the second graph shows how the population of milkweed changed over the same period.
which hypothesis is supported by the data?
a. the milkweed population is a biotic factor that decreased as the amount of sunlight, an abiotic factor, increased.
b. the milkweed population is an abiotic factor that decreased as the amount of sunlight, a biotic factor, increased.
c. the milkweed population is an abiotic factor that decreased as the amount of sunlight, a biotic factor, decreased.
d. the milkweed population is a biotic factor that decreased as the amount of sunlight, an abiotic factor, decreased.

Explanation:

The first graph shows an increase in the amount of ground - shade (less sunlight) over time and the second graph shows a decrease in the milkweed population over the same time period. Biotic factors are living things (like milkweed) and abiotic factors are non - living things (like sunlight). As sunlight (an abiotic factor) increased (less shade means more sunlight), the milkweed population (a biotic factor) decreased.

Answer:

A. The milkweed population is a biotic factor that decreased as the amount of sunlight, an abiotic factor, increased.