Question

which of these best describes the rat theory?

all of the trees were damaged by a hurricane, leading to soil loss and inability to repair canoes. population collapsed as a result.

trees were cut down by people to plant crops and work on moai. too many trees were cut down, leading to inability to grow enough food or repair canoes. population collapsed as a result.

rats came to the island with the natives. the rats decimated the environment, including the trees, which led to soil loss. people couldnt grow enough food and the population collapsed.

Explanation:

The Rat Theory focuses on the impact of rats on the island's environment. The third option describes rats coming with natives, decimating the environment (including trees) leading to soil loss, food shortage, and population collapse, which aligns with the Rat Theory. The first option is about hurricane damage, and the second is about human tree - cutting, not rats.

Answer:

The third option: Rats came to the island with the natives. The rats decimated the environment, including the trees, which led to soil loss. People couldn't grow enough food and the population collapsed.