Question

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. Since the warming of the climate by El Nino in 1998, the tick population on the island has increased. Ticks cause anemia and hair loss in animals. These factors can expose animals to hypothermia in cold weather. Scientists are hoping to incorporate all three factors in their research. What would be an appropriate research question to guide the scientists?
A)
Moose death is directly related to an increase in the tick population.


B)
How does an increase in the tick population impact the survival of the wolves?


C)
If the moose population increase, would we expect an increase in the wolf or tick population?


D)
What is the relationship between an increase in the tick population and the death rate of the moose and wolves?

Answer 1

the the answer would be D.

Answer 2

The answer is D: What is the relationship between an increase in the tick population and the death rate of the moose and wolves? The graph shows an inverse relationship between the number of moose and wolves: an increase in wolves results in a decrease in moose and vise versa. The scientists want to assess the impact of ticks on this relationship. Therefore, only aim D is valid.