The map shows the historic range and current range of prehistoric and modern-day jaguars. Fossil evidence helped to determine the historic range for prehistoric jaguars from the last ice age (about 16,000 years ago).
Which factor would have most likely caused the jaguar habitat to change after the last ice age?
Responses
Other large cat species out-competed the jaguars.
Other large cat species out-competed the jaguars.
The northern climate became colder after the last ice age.
The northern climate became colder after the last ice age.
Jaguars developed thicker fur in the north.
Jaguars developed thicker fur in the north.
Jaguars and other large cat species developed mutualistic relationships.
The most likely factor that would have caused the jaguar habitat to change after the last ice age is "The northern climate became colder after the last ice age."
The factor that would have most likely caused the jaguar habitat to change after the last ice age is: The northern climate became colder after the last ice age.
To determine which factor most likely caused the jaguar habitat to change after the last ice age, we can analyze the information provided. The map shows the historic range of prehistoric jaguars from the last ice age, which suggests that their range has changed over time.
Option 1: Other large cat species out-competed the jaguars.
This option suggests that the presence of other large cat species could have had an impact on the jaguars and their habitat. However, the map does not provide any specific information about the presence or competition from other large cat species, so this is unlikely to be the correct answer.
Option 2: The northern climate became colder after the last ice age.
This option suggests that the change in climate, specifically a colder northern climate, could have influenced the jaguar habitat. The map, which shows both the historic and current range of jaguars, can help confirm this hypothesis. By comparing the historic range (16,000 years ago) with the current range, we can determine if the northern part of the range has reduced, indicating that the colder climate may have affected the jaguar's habitat. If this is the case, this option would be the most likely answer.
Option 3: Jaguars developed thicker fur in the north.
This option suggests that jaguars adapted to the colder climate in the north by developing thicker fur. While this could be a possible adaptation, it does not explain the change in jaguar habitat after the last ice age. The map shows the range of jaguars, but it does not provide any information about the specific adaptations they developed.
Option 4: Jaguars and other large cat species developed mutualistic relationships.
This option suggests that jaguars and other large cat species developed mutually beneficial relationships. However, the map does not provide any information about such relationships, so this option is unlikely to be the correct answer.
Based on the information provided, the factor that would have most likely caused the jaguar habitat to change after the last ice age is the northern climate becoming colder. By comparing the historic and current range of jaguars on the map, we can see if the colder climate has influenced their habitat.