Refer to the Graph Below, Showing Population Cycles of Snowshoe

question 86

Multiple Choice

Refer to the graph below, showing population cycles of snowshoe hares and their predator, Canada lynx.Population numbers were collected when both populations were trapped for the fur trade. Some scientists think that the predator-prey cycles of the snowshoe hare and Canada lynx are not dependent on the interaction between the two species but instead on some outside factor, such as climate.If this is the case and if lynx were removed from the community, the hare population would likely

• A) grow indefinitely without lynx to control its numbers.
• B) grow exponentially at first but crash when it ran out of food.
• C) grow exponentially at first but level off as hares adapted to the new condition.
• D) continue to undergo cycles because some factor other than lynx is in control.
• E) show erratic population numbers, with no obvious cycles or other patterns.

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Definitions:

Mental Accounting

A concept in behavioral economics where individuals categorize, monitor, and evaluate their financial activities distinctly, affecting their economic decisions and behavior.

Updating Beliefs

The process of revising one's beliefs or opinions in light of new evidence or information, fundamental in Bayesian inference and decision-making processes.

Conservatism

A principle in accounting that recommends erring on the side of caution and underestimating rather than overestimating profits and values.

New Evidence

Recent information or data that offering fresh insights, usually changing or confirming existing understandings.