Question

Rabbits produce large numbers of offspring
during each reproductive season, yet the
number of rabbits within a given population
changes very little from year to year. The
stability of the population size is most likely the
result of
(1) the development of mutations in young
rabbits
(2) environmental factors that keep the
population in check
(3) rabbits continuing to reproduce when the
population is large
(4) the survival of more female rabbits than
male rabbits

Answer 1

Rabbits produce large numbers of offspring during each reproductive season, yet the number of rabbits within a given population changes very little from year to year. The stability of the population size is most likely the result of environmental factors that keep the population in check (2). Rabbits are seen as food by many predators which will keep the numbers down. The principle of the survival of the fittest will ensure that young strong rabbits get to breed and carry the gene pool to the next generation.