Question

an entomologist is studying the population of an invasive insect species in the northeastern united states. she notices that the population increases in the spring, levels off during the summer, and then decreases in the fall. which graph could show the population of the invasive insect species in the northeastern united states from the spring to the fall?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the population trend

The population increases in spring, levels off in summer, and decreases in fall. So the graph should first have an upward slope (increase), then a horizontal segment (level off), then a downward slope (decrease).

Step2: Evaluate each graph

• First graph: Decreases first, then levels, then decreases. Doesn't match.
• Second graph: Increases, levels, then increases. Doesn't match the fall decrease.
• Third graph: Increases (spring), levels (summer), then decreases (fall). Matches the trend.
• Fourth graph: Decreases, levels, then increases. Doesn't match.

Answer:

The third graph (the one with an upward curve, then a horizontal line, then a downward curve)