Ecosystem Changes

The San Joaquin kit fox is classified as an endangered species.  While these small mammals once thrived in the open grasslands of Central California, there are now fewer than 7,000 San Joaquin kit foxes.  They live in dens beneath the soil of grasslands to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid predators.  Interestingly, they frequently change dens and sometimes use multiple dens at once.

San Joaquin kit foxes primarily feed on small rodents, ground squirrels, rabbits, insects, and some grass.  They often compete with red foxes, coyotes, and bobcats for prey.

1

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

Temperate Forest Animal Diets

1

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

A wildfire can rapidly change a forest ecosystem.

1

The following are effects of forest fires. Select "Positive" if it was a positive effect and “Negative” next to negative effects.

__________ 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.

Several types of organisms that live in a pond ecosystem are shown in the image on the 
right.

A neighborhood plans to allow residents to start fishing for bluegills in the pond.

1

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

White-tailed deer are found throughout North America.  They live in fields and forests, as well as suburban neighborhoods.

These herbivores eat most plants that are available to them.  They consume the leaves, twigs, fruits, and other parts of plants.

Bobcats, wolves, bears, and large carnivores prey on deer.  While adult deer can sometimes escape predators using their speed and agility, young fawns are often captured by predators.  In recent decades, the population of deer living in suburban neighborhoods has increased.

1

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

The line graph below shows the populations of four different animals over a 10-year time period in a specific area. In 1991, a large housing development was built in this area.

1

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

Temperate Forest Animal Diets

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

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

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

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