Question

Scientific study of the population cycles of the snowshoe hare and its predator, the lynx has revealed that

(A) predation is the dominant factor affecting prey population cycling.

(B) hares and lynx are so mutually dependent that each species cannot survive without the other.

(C) both hare and lynx population sizes are affected mainly by abiotic factors.

(D) the hare population is r-selected and the lynx population is K-selected.

Short answer

1. The statement “predation is the dominant factor affecting prey population cycling” is true.
2. The statement “hares and lynx are so mutually dependent that each species can not survive without the other” is false.
3. The statement “both hare and lynx population sizes are affected mainly by abiotic factors” is false.
4. The statement “the hare population is r-selected, and the lynx population is K-selected” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Snowshoe hare

The species of hare or rabbit primarily found in the boreal forest of North America and which acts as a source of wild meat for predators like lynx is called snowshoe hare.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

In ecological science, the act in which one animal preys on the other to kill and feed on it is called predation.

Thus, 95% of prey death is due to the act of predation.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The medium-sized wild cat mainly found in the boreal forest whose primary food is snowshoe hare is called lynx.

Thus, the snowshoe hare and lynx can survive without each other; lynx have other food resources for their survival.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

The weather, like rain, is considered an abiotic factor affecting the prey and predator population.

Thus, the abiotic factor does not affect the snowshoe hare and lynx population.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The physical characteristics of snowshoe hare are furry feet and a snow-white winter coat. Some physical features of lynx are hairy soles, long-legged, and short heads.

Thus, the life-history strategy is not looked at in the scientific study of the population of both the prey and the predator.

Therefore, the given statement is false.