Question

part 4: cause - and - effect connections

1. which sequence best shows the cause - and - effect relationship in the serengeti?

a. rainfall → grass growth → wildebeest numbers → predators
b. predators → wildebeest numbers → rainfall → grass growth
c. wildebeest numbers → rainfall → predators → grass growth
d. grass growth → predators → rainfall → wildebeest numbers

1. if rainfall were the same all year long, what would most likely happen to migration?

a. migration would continue the same way
b. migration would stop or greatly decrease
c. predators would force migration anyway
d. wildebeest population would go extinct immediately

1. how does migration help maintain biodiversity in the serengeti?

a. it reduces overgrazing by spreading wildebeest across areas
b. it decreases the number of predators
c. it eliminates competition among herbivores
d. it allows predators to go extinct
part 5: review & exit check

1. which statement best explains the role of carrying capacity in wildebeest migration?

a. the land can always support unlimited wildebeest, so they move by choice
b. when food and water are limited, wildebeest must move to survive
c. predators alone determine the carrying capacity
d. carrying capacity has no role in migration

Explanation:

• For question 9: Rainfall provides water for grass to grow. Wildebeests feed on grass, so grass growth affects their numbers. Predators prey on wildebeests, so wildebeest numbers affect predator populations.
• For question 10: Migration in the Serengeti is largely driven by the search for food and water which are influenced by rainfall patterns. If rainfall is constant, there is less need to move for resources.
• For question 11: Migration spreads wildebeests across different areas, reducing the pressure of over - grazing in one place, which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity.
• For question 12: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can support. When food and water (resources related to carrying capacity) are limited, wildebeests must migrate to find suitable habitats for survival.

Answer:

1. A. Rainfall → Grass growth → Wildebeest numbers → Predators
2. B. Migration would stop or greatly decrease
3. A. It reduces overgrazing by spreading wildebeest across areas
4. B. When food and water are limited, wildebeest must move to survive