We are given a graph showing the population of trout over time. We need to answer questions related to the dashed line on the graph, the carrying capacity, and the impact of spraying chemicals that kill insects on the carrying capacity of the trout.

1. Problem Description

We are given a graph showing the population of trout over time. We need to answer questions related to the dashed line on the graph, the carrying capacity, and the impact of spraying chemicals that kill insects on the carrying capacity of the trout.

2. Solution Steps

a. What does the dashed line represent?

The dashed line represents the carrying capacity of the environment for the trout population. The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources.

b. What is the approximate number that represents the carrying capacity of trout in this area?

Looking at the graph, the dashed line is at approximately 350 on the y-axis (Population).

c. How did you arrive at your answer for 3b.?

The trout population oscillates around the dashed line after reaching a certain point. This indicates that the population size is fluctuating around the carrying capacity of the environment. Therefore, I estimated the carrying capacity by visually inspecting the graph and noting the population level at which the population stabilizes, which is close to the dashed line. The dashed line appears to be at around 350 on the population axis.

d. Trout eat insects. What would happen to the carrying capacity of trout if people sprayed chemicals to kill bugs in this area?

If people sprayed chemicals to kill bugs, this would reduce the food supply for the trout. This would, in turn, decrease the carrying capacity of the environment for the trout. The carrying capacity is limited by the available resources, and reducing the food supply would reduce the number of trout that the environment can sustain.

3. Final Answer

a. The dashed line represents the carrying capacity of the environment for the trout population.

b. The approximate carrying capacity is

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0. c. I arrived at the answer by visually inspecting the graph and estimating the value of the dashed line, around which the trout population stabilizes.

d. The carrying capacity of the trout would decrease if people sprayed chemicals to kill bugs, as the bugs are a food source for the trout.