Analysis of Owl Prey

Birds = 9.1 %
Shrew = 1 %
Mouse = 19.5 %
Vole = 30.1 %
Rat = 40 %







Questions:
1. Based upon the class data, rank the most frequently consumed prey for the class "owl population".
The most frequently consumed prey for the class "owl population" is the rat, followed by the vole. Next comes the mouse, then the bird, and finally, with only 1 % of the owls' diets, the shrew. The owl population did not consume any insects.
2. A predator expends energy when hunting for food. Which is the more "energy expensive" cuisine, 35 insects at 1 g each or one 35 g vole?
The more "energy expensive" cuisine would be dining on 35 insects, because it would take more time and more energy to capture them whereas it would take less time to catch the vole.
3. Based upon your data, suppose the shrew population seriously declined. Would it affect the areas owl population?
It would not drastically affect the owl population because the shrew only makes up a small part of the owls' diets. However, if the population of, for example, rats declined, then the whole area would be in big trouble because the rats make up so much of the owls' diets and rats are also common prey for other animals.