Question

based on data, a population of deer declined after a harsh winter. what can scientists infer?

○ less snow caused population loss
○ resource availability decreased in winter
○ deer don’t like cold
○ deer hibernated

Explanation:

• For "Less snow caused population loss": A harsh winter would likely have more snow, so less snow contradicting the harsh winter context makes this incorrect.
• For "Resource availability decreased in winter": Harsh winters can reduce food (resources) like vegetation covered by snow, making it hard for deer to find food, which can lead to population decline. This is a logical inference about an environmental factor affecting the population.
• For "Deer don’t like cold": Deer are adapted to cold to some extent, and a preference for temperature is not a scientific inference from population decline data.
• For "Deer hibernated": Deer do not hibernate; they are active in winter (though may be less active), so this is factually incorrect.

Answer:

B. Resource availability decreased in winter