Interactions Affect Survival Practice Test

In a meadow ecosystem, ecologists compared rabbit survival over one month with and without foxes (a predator-prey interaction). Data: Plot A (foxes present): 40 rabbits at start, 18 rabbits after 1 month. Plot B (foxes removed): 40 rabbits at start, 33 rabbits after 1 month. Interactions can affect survival and reproduction. Which explanation best links the interaction to the survival outcome using evidence from the data?

Two bird species (Bird M and Bird N) eat the same type of insects in a woodland ecosystem. A model tracked nesting success (a reproduction outcome) when the species nested in separate areas versus the same area. Interactions between organisms can affect survival and reproduction. Use the evidence to answer: Which explanation best links the interaction to the reproduction outcome?

Data (same weather and same number of nesting sites):

• Separate areas: Bird M successful nests = $18/30$; Bird N successful nests = $20/30$
• Same area: Bird M successful nests = $9/30$; Bird N successful nests = $10/30$