Ecosystem Changes Observation Stations

Which of the following is most likely responsible for the population decline of the San Joaquin kit fox?

• an increase in the population

  of small rodents

• a decrease in the population

  of red foxes and coyotes

• an increase in the availability

  of space for dens

• grasslands replaced with

  roads, houses, and farms

If more mice were introduced to this ecosystem, which of the following would most likely occur?

• There would be more seeds available for birds and mice to consume.

• Competition for seeds would increase.

• The owl population would decrease.

• Birds would stop eating berries

Which are negative effects of forest fires?

• A squirrel loses its habitat.

• New grasses and plants have space to grow.

• Lodgepole pine cones open to release seeds with high heat from a fire.

• A tree is destroyed.

Which are positive effects of forest fires?

• A squirrel loses its habitat.

• New grasses and plants have space to grow.

• Lodgepole pine cones open to release seeds with high heat from a fire.

• A tree is destroyed.

If the population of bluegills decreases, what other population would most likely decrease as a result?

• Producers

• Predators of bluegills

• Prey of bluegills

• None of these

Select all conditions that may have led to an increased population of deer in suburban neighborhoods.

• plentiful trees and shrubs

• fewer predators than rural areas

• an increase in disease among deer

• laws against hunting in residential areas

• natural habitat destruction

Which animals most likely experienced an increase in food sources following the construction of the housing development?

• deer and mice

• raccoons only

• squirrels and raccoons

• deer, mice, raccoons, and squirrels