To analyze the impact on lion, cheetah, and zebra populations, let's first calculate the percentage decrease in the populations of cheetahs and zebras between 1990 and 2000.
### Calculation Steps
1. Cheetahs Population Decrease:
- Initial population of cheetahs in 1990: 100,000.
- Population of cheetahs in 2000: 47,000.
- Percentage decrease:
[tex]\[
\frac{100,000 - 47,000}{100,000} \times 100 = \frac{53,000}{100,000} \times 100 = 53\%
\][/tex]
2. Zebras Population Decrease:
- Initial population of zebras in 1990: 50,000.
- Population of zebras in 2000: 7,500.
- Percentage decrease:
[tex]\[
\frac{50,000 - 7,500}{50,000} \times 100 = \frac{42,500}{50,000} \times 100 = 85\%
\][/tex]
### Analysis and Explanation
The data shows that the population of zebras has decreased by 85%, which is substantial. The cheetah population has also decreased, by 53%. Both decreases are significant, but the decline in zebra population is more pronounced.
Lions and cheetahs are both predators and likely rely on zebras as a substantial part of their diet. The dramatic reduction in the zebra population would directly impact the food availability for these predators.
### Conclusion
Given the data and the observed decreases, the explanation that fits best is:
- "The dwindling zebra population has led to the decline of the predator lion and cheetah populations."
This explanation is supported by the substantial decline in the zebra population, which is a critical food source for both predators, leading to a corresponding decrease in the populations of lions and cheetahs due to insufficient food supply.
