Population Graphs

Scientists measured the spine size of a population of cactuses found in an area in 1970. They measured the spine size of the cactus population again in 2015. Which of the statements below best describes the difference in the cactuses at the two time points?

• The cactuses in 1970 had smaller spines than the cactuses in 2015.

• The cactuses in 1970 had larger spines than the cactuses in 2015.

• There were more cactuses in 1970 than there were in 2015.

• There was more variation in spine size in 1970 than there was in 2015.

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What may explain the change in the deer population at year 6?

• The environment may have changed color so that the deer blended better with its surroundings

• The environment may have changed color so that the deer were easier to be seen

• Hunters in the area began to hunt other animals instead of deer

• The deer began to reproduce more

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The population of deer in a certain area is monitored over a period of six years. The data is represented in the graph provided. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the change in population in 2009?

• Wolves, which prey on deer, were being hunted more than usual.

• Rainfall in the previous spring was higher than the yearly average.

• Humans introduced grazing animals that feed on the same plants as the deer.

• More insects that pollinate flowering plants move into the habitat.

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What is the independent variable in this graph?

• Tadpoles

• Year

• Frogs

• Number of tadpoles in the pond

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How many more people like purple than red?

• 3

• 5

• 7

• 9

What was the bear population in 2001?

• 40

• 45

• 50

• 55

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Between which two years did the bear population remain constant or the same?

• 2004 and 2005

• 2001 and 2002

• 2005 and 2006

• 2000 and 2001

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Which type of population graph typically shows a rapid increase in population size followed by a stabilization?

• Exponential growth graph

• Logistic growth graph

• Linear growth graph

• Cyclic growth graph

In a population graph, what does the carrying capacity represent?

• The maximum number of individuals an environment can support

• The initial population size

• The rate of population growth

• The time it takes for a population to double

What is the shape of a population graph that represents exponential growth?

• J-shaped curve

• S-shaped curve

• Linear line

• Bell curve