Question

visual reading tool: analyzing changes in wolf and moose populations
figure 5 - 9 shows the populations of wolves and moose on isle royale from 1955 - 2005. use the data to answer the questions below.
wolf and moose populations on isle royale

1. circle the location on the graph where the wolves experienced a steep population decrease. what could have caused this?
2. why is there a steep increase in moose from 1985 - 1995?

60 chapter 5 populations

Explanation:

1. On the graph, the wolves experienced a steep population decrease around 1980 - 1985. Possible causes could include disease, a decrease in the moose population (their main food source), or harsh environmental conditions.
2. The steep increase in moose from 1985 - 1995 could be due to a decrease in the wolf population (their main predator), allowing more moose to survive and reproduce. Also, there could have been an increase in the availability of food for the moose during this period.

Answer:

1. The steep decrease for wolves is around 1980 - 1985. Possible causes: disease, food - source decrease, harsh environment.
2. The steep increase in moose from 1985 - 1995 could be due to predator decrease and food availability increase.