Predation and Population Size

Green Book (Life Science) The Moose and the Wolves p. 708

1. Define population. P.691 ______

2. Populations can change in size when new members enter the populations or when members leave the population. Name three factors that can cause any population size to increase. Refer to 697-700. ______

3. Name three factors that can cause any population size to decrease.

______

4. Define limiting factor and give 3 examples: ______

______

5. Look at the graph on page 708. Fill in a chart for the following years. Estimate moose populations by 50 or 100's, no more exact.

Year / 63 / 65 / 69 / 74 / 76 / 80 / 82 / 90 / 94 / 96
Moose Population
Wolf Population

6. What happened to the wolf population from 1965 to 1969? ______

7. What happened to the moose population during that same period? ______

8. Why do you think the moose population increased so much during those years? ______

9. a. After 1969, in what year did the moose population first reach a peak? ______

b. What was the size of the moose population that year? ______

c. What was the size of the wolf population that year? ______

10. a. When did the wolf population reach its peak? ______

b. How many wolves were there? ______

c. How many wolves were there two years later? ______

11. Why did the wolf population decline so much during that period? ______

12. What do you think accounts for the two dramatic increases in the moose population between 1986 and 1995? ______

13. What might have accounted for the sharp dip in the moose population between 1990 and 1991? ______

14. What do you think caused the sharp dip in the moose population between 1995 and 1996?______

15. Short answer. Select one of the following questions and answer in the space provided.

a. Describe the niche of the moose and the wolf.

b. Describe the community in which the wolf and moose live.