Question

pronghorn antelope are herbivores that live in an area that includes much of the western united states. wild horses and domestic sheep that also live in the area eat the same types of grasses as the pronghorn antelope. coyotes and bobcats in area prey on the antelope.
which of the following would most likely increase the carrying capacity for the pronghorn antelope?
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a a ban on hunting bobcats in the area
b a new law that allows more sheep to be raised in the area
c a dry winter that decreases the number of plants that grow in the area
d a viral disease that decreases the population size of the wild horses in the area

Explanation:

To determine what increases the carrying capacity of pronghorn antelopes, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Banning bobcat hunting would increase bobcat population, which preys on antelopes, so this would decrease carrying capacity (more predators mean fewer antelopes can survive).
• Option B: Allowing more sheep increases competition for the same grasses (since sheep and antelopes are herbivores with overlapping diets), reducing resources for antelopes and decreasing carrying capacity.
• Option C: A dry winter reduces plant growth, limiting food for herbivores like antelopes, so carrying capacity would decrease.
• Option D: A viral disease reducing wild horse population means less competition for grasses (since wild horses eat the same grasses as antelopes). With more available food, the antelope population can support more individuals, increasing carrying capacity.

Answer:

D. a viral disease that decreases the population size of the wild horses in the area