Predict Population Changes Practice Test

A grassland has a baseline rabbit population that has been slowly increasing during a mild year. Then a drought reduces grass growth for several months. A field survey shows fewer fresh rabbit droppings and more bare ground two months after the drought begins. Which statement best predicts the rabbit population change over time (before vs. after the drought) using evidence about resources? Population changes can be predicted from evidence, but the exact outcome is not certain.

Baseline: A colony of ants in a school garden has been growing slowly through early summer. Change: A pest control treatment removes many aphids from nearby plants, reducing the sugary honeydew the ants collect. Evidence: For the next several weeks, fewer ants are observed on those plants and more ants are seen searching farther away. Which prediction about the ant colony’s population over time is best supported by the evidence about resource availability (before vs. after the treatment)? Population changes can be predicted from evidence, but predictions are not certainties.