USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

What was the squirrel count after five years in the controlled population study with 60 Oak trees?

1. 3

2. 10

3. 15

4. 25

The correct answer is: 3

In a controlled population study, the context of environmental factors and biological interactions is crucial for interpreting data. If the correct answer to the question regarding the squirrel count after five years of observation is three, it suggests that various limiting factors influenced the population dynamics significantly, leading to a relatively low number of squirrels. This could include aspects such as limited food availability, predation pressures, habitat suitability, and competition among species. In an ecosystem where there are 60 oak trees, one might initially assume a higher population count of squirrels due to the availability of food resources (acorns). However, the observed count of three indicates that other factors may have constrained population growth, such as disease, human interventions like habitat destruction, or high predation rates. In studying population dynamics, it is essential to consider how both biotic and abiotic elements interact over time, shaping the outcomes we observe in a controlled setting. Thus, the number three reflects a nuanced understanding of ecological balance, showing that population counts don't solely depend on resource availability but rather a complex interplay of environmental pressures.