An Ecologist Hypothesizes That Predation by a Particular Owl Species

question 43

Multiple Choice

An ecologist hypothesizes that predation by a particular owl species is the major factor controlling the population of a particular rabbit species. If this is the case, which of the following population effects could be expected in this rabbit-owl pair?

• A) A fall in the owl population should cause a fall in the rabbit population.
• B) A fall in the rabbit population should cause an increase in the owl population.
• C) An increase in the incidence of disease in the rabbit population should not change the owl population.
• D) An increase in the owl population should cause a fall in the rabbit population.