Question

Combining the data from both graphs, estimate the number of mice caught in moonlight versus no-moonlight conditions. Which condition is optimal for predation by the owl? Explain.

Short answer

Around 77 mice were caught by the owl in the presence of moonlight, whereas approximately 95 were caught in the absence of moonlight in both enclosures.

The absence of moonlight is a favorable condition for hunting for an owl.

Step-by-step solution

Predator-prey relationship

Predation and prey relationships are greatly affected by environmental influences.The predation rates differ if the prey species are present in camouflaging environment. This helps the prey to escape predation.

In this scenario, an owl was placed in cages with a population of two different coat color mice to test the camouflage hypothesis. The owl was the predator, while the mice were the prey in this scenario.

Explanation for data obtained from the graphs

The data of the two graphs reveals that more mice were caught under no moon than the number caught in the presence of moonlight. However, about 20 more mice were caught in the absence of moonlight, suggesting that predation level was much better under no-moon conditions than under full moonlight.

Explanation for optimal hunting condition for an owl

The statistics revealed that owls caught more mice in the absence of a moon than in the presence of a moon. This shows that the owl is a predator that prefers to prey at night and is better in the complete absence of light, like under no moon.

Hence,the owl is a nocturnal animal whose hunting effectiveness appears to be boosted in the dark due to its high predation level in no-moon situations.