You are designing an experiment to test whether the emergence of large numbers of moths over a short time period provides an effective refuge. You hypothesize that the moths are employing predator satiation. If you are correct, what response do you expect to see in your experiment?
A) The percentage of prey consumed increases sharply as the prey density increases from low to medium, but levels off at high prey densities.
B) The percentage of prey consumed increases gradually as the prey density increases from low to medium to high.
C) The percentage of prey consumed remains stable as the prey density increases from low to medium, then decreases at very high prey densities.
D) The percentage of prey consumed increases sharply as the prey density increases from low to medium, but decreases at high prey densities.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the moths are employing predator satiation, they will emerge in large numbers over a short time period to overwhelm predators, effectively reducing the percentage of prey consumed. Therefore, we expect to see a sharp increase in percentage of prey consumed as prey density increases from low to medium due to insufficient moth numbers. However, as moth numbers increase to high densities, predator satiation is reached, and the percentage of prey consumed will decrease again, as was seen in a study on snowshoe hare and lynx populations.

You Are Designing an Experiment to Test Whether the Emergence