Question

after several years in a new mountain range pasture, the number of deer had doubled. which of the following would happen once the deer overshot the carrying capacity of the pasture? a the herd continued to grow in number. b the pasture became green and fertile. c the pasture became overgrazed and much of the grass died. d all the deer had twins next spring.

Explanation:

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of organisms an environment can sustain long-term. When deer overshoot this, their population exceeds the pasture's resource (grass) limits. Overgrazing occurs as too many deer consume more grass than can regrow, leading to widespread grass death. Other options are incorrect: the herd cannot keep growing (resources are exhausted), the pasture will not become more fertile, and a universal twin birth rate increase is unrelated to overshooting carrying capacity.

Answer:

C. The pasture became overgrazed and much of the grass died.