A population of foxes inhabits a small forest. The size of the population is currently below the forest's carrying capacity for the foxes. Which factor could cause an increase in the population's growth rate? A. The population's level of immigration falls below its level of emigration. B. The population's birth rate falls below its death rate after a predator is introduced. C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population. D. A lack of mating opportunities increases the population's level of emigration.
Question
A population of foxes inhabits a small forest. The size of the population is currently below the forest's carrying capacity for the foxes. Which factor could cause an increase in the population's growth rate? A. The population's level of immigration falls below its level of emigration. B. The population's birth rate falls below its death rate after a predator is introduced. C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population. D. A lack of mating opportunities increases the population's level of emigration.
Solution
The factor that could cause an increase in the population's growth rate is C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population.
Here's why:
A. The population's level of immigration falls below its level of emigration: This would decrease the population as more foxes are leaving (emigrating) than coming in (immigrating).
B. The population's birth rate falls below its death rate after a predator is introduced: This would also decrease the population as more foxes are dying than being born.
C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population: This would increase the population as more food would lead to more foxes being able to survive and reproduce, thus increasing the birth rate.
D. A lack of mating opportunities increases the population's level of emigration: This would decrease the population as foxes would leave the area in search of mates.
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