Question

Wolves prey on deer. The wolf population in a particular forest ecosystem became extinct. What will most likely happen to the deer population?

A) The deer population will increase until there is not enough food, space, and other resources to support more deer

B) The deer population will decrease because predators and prey have coevolved and cannot survive without each other

C) The deer population will increase indefinitely, slowing only when new predators are introduced into the forest

D) The deer population will increase and then level out because deer slow their reproductive rates to ensure their numbers do not exceed available resources

Answer 1

A.

B is incorrect as deer cannot survive with predators around, the lack making it easier to increase in population.

C is incorrect as other factors also deter growth and the ecosystem has a carrying capacity.

D is incorrect as deer will not level out as it continues to increase.

Hope this helps!