Scientific study of the population cycles of the snowshoe hare and its predator, the lynx has revealed that
a. Predation is the dominant factor affecting prey population cycling.
b. Hares and lynx are so mutually dependent that each species cannot survive without the other.
c. Both hare and lynx population sizes are affected mainly by abiotic factors.
d. The hare population is r-selected and the lynx population is K-selected.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of population cycles: Population cycles refer to the fluctuations in population size over time, often influenced by various factors including predation, resource availability, and environmental conditions.
2. Examine the role of predation: Predation can significantly impact prey populations by controlling their numbers. Consider how the lynx, as a predator, might affect the snowshoe hare population through predation.
3. Consider mutual dependence: Evaluate whether the snowshoe hare and lynx populations are interdependent, meaning that the survival of one species is closely linked to the presence of the other.
4. Analyze abiotic factors: Abiotic factors such as climate, habitat, and food availability can influence population sizes. Determine if these factors play a major role in the population cycles of hares and lynxes.
5. Differentiate between r-selected and K-selected species: r-selected species typically have high reproductive rates and short lifespans, while K-selected species have lower reproductive rates and longer lifespans. Assess whether the hare and lynx fit these descriptions.

Key Concepts

Predation and Population Dynamics

Predation is a biological interaction where a predator feeds on its prey, significantly influencing the population dynamics of both species. In the context of the snowshoe hare and lynx, predation is a critical factor that can lead to cyclical fluctuations in their populations, as the predator's survival depends on the availability of prey, and vice versa.

R-selected and K-selected Species

R-selected species, like the snowshoe hare, are characterized by high reproductive rates, short generation times, and the ability to exploit unstable environments. In contrast, K-selected species, such as the lynx, tend to have lower reproductive rates, longer lifespans, and are adapted to stable environments where they compete for limited resources. These strategies affect how each species responds to environmental pressures.

Abiotic Factors in Population Ecology

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical components of the environment, such as temperature, water availability, and habitat conditions, that can influence the population sizes of organisms. In the study of hare and lynx populations, understanding how these factors impact each species is crucial, as they can affect food availability, habitat suitability, and survival rates, thereby influencing population cycles.