Question

The prairie vole, a small North American grassland rodent, breeds year around, and a group of voles living together consists primarily of an extended family, often including two or more litters. Voles commonly live in large groups from late autumn to winter; from spring through early autumn, however, most voles live in far smaller groups. The seasonal variation in groups size can probably be explained by a seasonal variation in mortality among young voles.Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest support for the explanation above?(A) It is the spring and in the early summer that prairie vole communities generally contain the highest proportion of young voles.(B) Prairie vole populations vary dramatically in size from year to year.(C) The prairie vole subsists primarily on broad-leaved plants that are abundant only in spring.(D) Winters in prairie vole's habitat are often harsh, with temperatures that drop well below freezing.(E) Snakes, a major predator of young prairie voles, are active only from spring through early autumn.

Answer 1

Answer: the correct answer is E. Snakes, a major predator of young prairie voles, are active only from spring through early autumn.

Explanation:

Mortality among young voles from spring to early fall is high because snakes are active during this time.