Predator-Prey Graph: Lynx and Hare

Predator-Prey Graph

The Snowshoe Hare and the Canadian Lynx

Today you are going to see data that shows a predator-prey relationship.

On the next slide, watch a video of the Canadian lynx and the snowshoe hare.

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Multiple Choice

A local researcher gives you a graph about these two populations. Click on the picture of the graph. Which conclusion can you make based on what is pictured?

• Canadian lynx and snowshoe hares have a linked ecological relationship.

• Canadian lynx and snowshoe hares do not have a linked ecological relationship.

Multiple Choice

What term BEST describes the type of linked ecological relationship that these organisms have?

• parasitic relationship

• predator-prey relationship

• cooperative relationship

• commensalistic relationship

Multiple Choice

Click on the picture of the graph. What is this graph showing?

• Lynx and hare populations over time

• Lynx and hare captures over time

• Lynx and hare offspring (babies) over time

• Lynx and hare speed over time

Multiple Choice

Which pattern is found in the graph?

• The populations do not show a similar pattern.

• The populations cycle opposite of each other about every 10 years. When one increases, the other decreases.

• The populations cycle with each other about every 10 years. When one increases, the other also increases.

Multiple Choice

Which population typically increases first? Hint: look at the key to determine the color of the line, then determine which line increases first.

• The Canadian lynx population

• The snowshoe hare population

Multiple Choice

Snowshoe hare populations typically increase first. Choose the statement that would BEST explain why.

• The snowshoe hares increase when more Canadian lynx prey on them.

• The snowshoe hares increase because more plants grow in the summer for them to eat.

• The snowshoe hares increase because they cannot survive the harsh winters.

Multiple Choice

At the end of the graph, the Canadian lynx population starts to decline. What do you predict will happen to the snowshoe hare population following the decline of their predator?

• The snowshoe hare population will most likely increase.

• The snowshoe hare population will most likely decrease.

Where do they live?

• There are many land ecosystems: desert, deciduous forest, tundra, savanna, grasslands, etc. The Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare live in a land ecosystem called the coniferous forest.

• These ecosystems all have different climates. Scientists mainly look at temperature and precipitation for the climate of land biomes.

Open Ended

1. Describe the biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem in which the Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare live. 2. How would the snowshoe hare and Canadian lynx need to adapt to this environment?

Adaptations to Cold, Snowy Environments

• Snowshoe hares have brown fur in the summers and white fur in the snowy winters in order to camouflage and evade the lynx.

• Canadian lynx have long legs and giant paws to be able to hunt hare in the snow.

• They have evolved together because snowshoe hare is 96% of the lynx's diet!

On the next slide, read about the endangerment of hares, and how humans are affecting this endangerment.

Hint: look at the headings for each paragraph.

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Open Ended

ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE, how do humans affect both the lynx and hare populations?