Question

studies of the population density of cougars (puma concolor) have yielded a range of results, which may in part reflect differences in the effectiveness of the methods that researchers have used in their studies. if, for example, the use of infrared camera trapping and gps tracking of collars in their studies. if, for example, the use of infrared camera trapping may explain why the study by
study authors: david m. choate et al., eric m. gese, peter d. alexander and, rahel sollmann et al., gregory a. davidson et al.
location: utah (united states), wyoming (united states), florida (united states), oregon (united states)
methods: helicopter surveying, regular camera trapping, tracking of gps collars, infrared camera trapping, scat - detecting dogs
study area: 1,300 square kilometers, 1,287 square kilometers, 1,719 square kilometers, 1,225 square kilometers
maximum density: 10.24 cougars per 100 square kilometers, 4.04 cougars per 100 square kilometers, 1.51 cougars per 100 square kilometers, 5.50 cougars per 100 square kilometers
11 mark for review
which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the example?
a. peter d. alexander and eric m. gese required a study area of 1,287 square kilometers, while the study by rahel sollmann et al. required a study area of 1,300 square kilometers.
b. david m. choate et al. reported a maximum density of 10.24 individuals per 100 square kilometers, higher than that reported by several other studies.
c. rahel sollmann et al. reported a maximum density of only 1.51 individuals per 100 square kilometers, lower than that reported by several other studies.
d. gregory a. davidson et al. reported a maximum density of 5.50 individuals per 100 square kilometers, while the study by peter d. alexander and eric m. gese used regular camera trapping, reported a lower maximum density.

Explanation:

We need to analyze the data in the table regarding cougar - related studies (authors, locations, methods, study areas, and maximum densities) to determine which option uses the data most effectively. Option A simply lists study areas without making a relevant comparison to density. Option B compares the maximum density reported by David M. Choate et al. with other studies in terms of the number of individuals per 100 square kilometers. Option C and D also make comparisons related to density. However, Option B directly uses the density data from the table to make a comparative statement about the maximum density reported by David M. Choate et al. compared to other studies.

Answer:

B. David M. Choate et al. reported a maximum density of 10.24 individuals per 100 square kilometers, higher than that reported by several other studies.