Question

what is the most likely explanation for population changes between 1993 and 1994? choose 1 answer: a gray wolves, which prey on elk, were removed from the area in 1993, and without predators, the elk migrated to nearby areas. b heavy rainfall in 1993 increased the number of plants in the region. c as the elk population approached the carrying capacity of the environment, they produced fewer offspring to avoid famine and disease. d the elk population overshot the carrying capacity of the environment, and lack of resources led to famine and disease.

Explanation:

When a population exceeds the carrying - capacity of its environment, resources such as food, water, and space become limited. This scarcity can lead to famine and the spread of diseases, which in turn can cause a decline in the population. Option A is incorrect as the removal of predators would likely lead to an increase in the prey population rather than migration. Option B only mentions an increase in plants but doesn't directly link it to population changes. Option C is about a population approaching the carrying - capacity and producing fewer offspring as a preventive measure, but the question implies a more sudden population change which is better explained by overshooting the carrying - capacity as in option D.

Answer:

D. The elk population overshot the carrying capacity of the environment, and lack of resources led to famine and disease.