Question

1. propose an explanation for the apparent cause and effect relationship between the populations of lynx and hares. 7. what does this information tell you a. about the effect of size of prey populations on the number of predators? b. about the effect of predators on the populations of their prey? 8. what other factor would influence the size of the hare population in addition to the size of the population of lynx?

Explanation:

1. Lynx are predators of hares. When hare population is high, lynx have more food, so their population can grow. As lynx population grows, they hunt more hares, causing hare population to decline. Then, with less food, lynx population also declines. This creates a cyclical pattern.

7a. Larger prey (hare) populations provide more food for predators (lynx), allowing predator numbers to increase. Smaller prey populations mean less food, leading to a decrease in predator numbers.
7b. An increase in predators (lynx) leads to more hunting of prey (hares), reducing hare population. A decrease in predators allows hare population to recover and grow.

1. Food availability for hares (e.g., plant - based food sources), presence of other predators besides lynx, disease, and environmental factors like weather and habitat quality can influence hare population size.

Answer:

1. The cyclical pattern is due to predation and food - availability relationship.

7a. Larger prey populations support more predators; smaller prey populations lead to fewer predators.
7b. More predators reduce prey populations; fewer predators allow prey populations to increase.

1. Food availability, other predators, disease, and environmental factors.