Question

a population of pheasants grew until it reached the maximum carrying capacity of an ecosystem. then, the pheasants food supply increased. as a result, the carrying capacity of the pheasants habitat changed. which graph below could represent the history of the pheasant population? possible points: 1 graph 1 graph 2 graph 3 graph 4

Explanation:

Step1: Understand population - carrying - capacity concept

The population first grows to the initial carrying capacity.

Step2: Analyze effect of food - supply increase

When the food supply increases, the carrying capacity of the habitat increases and the population can grow further.

Step3: Evaluate graphs

Graph 1 shows a population growing to a stable level but no increase after the food - supply change. Graph 3 shows a population that first grows, then declines, which is not consistent with the scenario. Graph 4 shows a population declining only. Graph 2 shows a population growing to an initial carrying capacity, then with an increase in the food supply, the population grows further to a new higher - level carrying capacity.

Answer:

Graph 2