Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 5

Describe the predator-prey relationship between the moose and wolves of Isle Royale. What other factors influence these two populations?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The predator-prey relationship between wolves and moose on Isle Royale shows a cyclical pattern where the increase of the prey population (moose) leads to an increase of the predator population (wolves), which then results in a decrease of the moose population due to increased predation, and subsequently decrease in wolf population due to less available prey. Additionally, other influencing factors can include weather changes, disease, or human intervention.

Step by step solution

01

Describe the Predator-Prey relationship

In Isle Royale, the moose is the prey and the wolves are the predators. When the moose population increases, there will be more food for the wolves, allowing the wolf population to increase. This increase in predators, however, can cause the moose population to decline as more moose are hunted by the now larger wolf population.
02

Discuss the effect of population change

When the moose population decreases, it can lead to a decrease in the wolf population due to lack of food. The wolf population decline allows the moose population to recover and grow, as there are fewer predators. This cycle continues, causing the predator and prey populations to fluctuate in response to each other. This is the primary predator-prey dynamic observed between wolves and moose on Isle Royale.
03

Discuss other influencing factors

Several other factors can influence these two populations. Weather changes, particularly harsh winters, can affect the survival rate of both animals directly and the availability of food for moose indirectly. Disease can also decimate either population, and human activities (although limited on Isle Royale) can influence these populations through things like hunting or habitat destruction.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What are selective pressures, and how do they relate to natural selection?

Differentiate between the terms critical number and carrying capacity. What is density dependence?

How may evolution lead to the development of new species (speciation)?

What is meant by territoriality, and how does it limit the effects of competition in nature?

Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific competition. How do they affect species as a form of environmental resistance?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Energy Resources

Read Explanation

Pollution

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Sustainability

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free