The graph shown above is from one of the most well-known and on-going ecological studies ever performed. Isle Royal National Park, an island on Lake Superior, keeps data of populations of wolves and moose living there. The moose are a major food source for the wolves.
Analyze the graph data to conclude how the moose population affects the population of wolves.
Responses
A As moose populations increase, wolf populations immediately increase.As moose populations increase, wolf populations immediately increase.
B As wolf population falls, moose populations fall with a delayed effect.As wolf population falls, moose populations fall with a delayed effect.
C Moose populations don't really show any relationship to wolf carrying capacity.Moose populations don't really show any relationship to wolf carrying capacity.
D The wolf carrying-capacity rises as moose populations increase, but with a delayed effect.The wolf carrying-capacity rises as moose populations increase, but with a delayed effect.
D The wolf carrying-capacity rises as moose populations increase, but with a delayed effect.
This conclusion is supported by the data shown in the graph, where there is a clear pattern of wolf populations increasing after moose populations have increased. This suggests that as the moose population grows, there is more food available for the wolves, allowing their population to increase as well. However, this increase in wolf population may be delayed as the wolves take time to reproduce and establish themselves in response to the increase in prey availability.