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.

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Definitions:

Motivation

The psychological processes that direct and maintain goal-directed behaviors.

Transference

In psychotherapy, the process by which emotions originally associated with one person, such as a parent, are unconsciously shifted to another, especially to the therapist.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies brought into play by the unconscious mind to manipulate, deny, or distort reality in order to defend against feelings of anxiety and unacceptable impulses and to maintain one's self-schema.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.