classify the following examples of plant-herbivore or predator-prey interactions
ID: 225893 • Letter: C
Question
classify the following examples of plant-herbivore or predator-prey interactions with regard to the v-->h v<--h v<-->h model
v--> h = increase in vegetation will cause increase in herbivores but not vice versa
v<--h increase in herbivore will cause vegetation to decrease but not vice versa
v<--> h = increase in vegetation will increase herbivore numbers, and an increase in herbivore reduce vegetation
a. red squirrels feeding on the seeds in white spruce tree cones
b. eastern grey kangarros feeding on pasture grass in semi-arid grasslands
c. blue whales feeding on krill in the southern ocean
d. coyotes feeding on domestic sheep in montana ranching areas
e. wolves feeding on elk in yellostone national park
Explanation / Answer
a. v<--h (As explained below)
Red squirrels live off several things, coniferous white spruce trees being one of them. They have a wide range of choices apart from the spruce trees. So, population of squirrels is less impacted by the population of spruce. On the contrary, the trees could be at a risk of being ruined if the population of squirrels increases. Squirrels are known to damage the barks of trees and strip their branches for some unknown reason.
b. v<-->h (As explained below)
The kangaroos prefer grassy plains and savannas. So being in semi-arid region is being at a disadvantage and an increase in vegetation can surely increase the population of kangaroos. At the same time, an increase in the kangaroo population can also reduce the existing pasture grass that is available in the semi-arid conditions.
c. v<--h (As explained below)
Blue whales can fill their stomachs with over a ton of krill at a given time. they feed mostly on copepods and krill. So, if the population of krill decreases, they will be left with limited options for food unless they evolve rapidly to adapt to other feed forms. Also, increase in blue whales will cause shortage of krill. Overpopulation of krill is unlikely to impact blue whales to produce more of itself.
d. v<--h (As explained below)
Increase in coyotes can reduce sheep populations drastically. Vice versa cannot be true.
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