Carrying Capacity for Nectar-Feeding Bats

What are the biotic and abiotic factors the scientists monitor which influence this bat population?

• Cactus flowers and fruit (biotic), rainfall (abiotic)

• Temperature (abiotic), predators (biotic)

• Soil type (abiotic), insects (biotic)

• Wind speed (abiotic), trees (biotic)

How did the carrying capacity of bats change between Year One and Year Two?

• Increased from 3500 to 8000

• Decreased from 8000 to 3500

• Remained the same

• Increased from 2000 to 5000

In Year One, what was the relationship between rainfall and the number of bats?

• More rain, more bats

• Less rain, more bats

• More rain, fewer bats

• Less rain, fewer bats

During which month is the number of bats the highest in Year One?

• February

• April

• June

• August

During which month is the number of cactus flowers the highest in Year One?

• February

• May

• June

• August

How does the number of cactus fruits change from February to August in Year Two?

• Increases steadily

• Decreases steadily

• Peaks in June then decreases

• Remains constant

What is the trend in rainfall from February to August in Year Two?

• Increasing

• Decreasing

• Fluctuating

• Constant

In which month does the rainfall peak in Year Two?

• February

• April

• June

• August

What is the relationship between cactus flowers and cactus fruits in Year One?

• More flowers, more fruits

• More flowers, fewer fruits

• Fewer flowers, more fruits

• No relationship

How does a decrease in bat population affect cactus fruit production?

• Increases fruit production

• Decreases fruit production

• No effect

• Increases flower production