Cougars defend a relatively large territory; consider the following facts and estimate how much area a cougar would require: A cougar requires 490 kg annually and obtains most of its food from deer,which average 55 kg.In a typical deer habitat,the NPP is 35 kg per acre.One deer consumes approximately 1,150 kg of vegetation each year.
A) 300 acres
B) 1,925 acres
C) 3,000 acres
D) 4,500 acres

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cougar requires 490 kg of deer annually. Each deer consumes 1,150 kg of vegetation, and the NPP is 35 kg per acre. So, the area required to support one deer is 1,150 kg / 35 kg/acre = 33 acres. Therefore, the area required to support a cougar is 490 kg / 55 kg/deer * 33 acres/deer = 300 acres.

Cougars Defend a Relatively Large Territory; Consider the Following Facts