AP Environmental Science (APES) Atmospheric Pollution Practice Test

What is a potential impact of increased noise pollution in national parks on prey populations?

Prey populations are likely to decrease because predators hunt more efficiently. Prey populations remain unchanged. Prey populations are likely to increase because predators have a decreased ability to hear prey sounds. Predators migrate out of the park.

Correct Answer:

Prey populations are likely to increase because predators have a decreased ability to hear prey sounds.

Explanation:

Noise pollution that masks natural sounds makes it harder for predators that hunt by listening to locate prey. When predation pressure drops because predators can’t hear prey as well, more prey survive, so their populations can rise. Predators often rely on acute hearing to detect prey, so interference with sound reduces hunting success. While there could be other effects from loud noise (like stress or displacement), the most direct consequence for prey numbers in this scenario is increased survival due to reduced predation.

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