Suggest why the population of grey squirrels is increasing, but the population of red squirrels is decreasing, using the information from the table.
Understand the Problem
The question asks to infer the reasoning behind the increase of grey squirrels and decrease of red squirrels in the UK based on information provided in the table. We should focus on what advantages the grey squirrel has over the red squirrel according to the data given.
Answer
Grey squirrels have a higher survival rate, immunity to parapox virus, a wider diet, and greater reproduction rate compared to red squirrels.
Grey squirrels have a higher survival rate (41% vs 14%) and can become immune to the parapox virus, unlike red squirrels. Furthermore, grey squirrels have a wider diet and can produce more offspring per year, leading to a population increase compared to red squirrels.
Answer for screen readers
Grey squirrels have a higher survival rate (41% vs 14%) and can become immune to the parapox virus, unlike red squirrels. Furthermore, grey squirrels have a wider diet and can produce more offspring per year, leading to a population increase compared to red squirrels.
More Information
The squirrel poxvirus (SQPV) is a major factor in the decline of red squirrels in the United Kingdom. Grey squirrels, which carry the virus but are often immune, can transmit the disease to red squirrels, which are highly susceptible and often die as a result.
Tips
Make sure you understand the data presented in the table before answering the question. Focus on the differences between the two squirrel populations.
Sources
- Disease threats posed by alien species: the role of a poxvirus in the ... - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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