Biologists have noticed that the deer population in a specific area has increased steadily over the past five years. In this area, wolves are natural predators of deer, and cattle compete with deer for food.

Question

Which three statements could explain the increase in the deer population?

A Rainfall was above average over the past five years.

B. A hawk species settled into the area five years ago.

C. Extremely harsh winters occurred during the past five years.

D. The number of cattle ranchers decreased in the past five years.

E. The law allowed an extended wolf hunting season for the past five years.

Answer 1

The three statements that could explain the increase in the deer population are:

A. Rainfall was above average over the past five years.

• Increased rainfall can lead to better vegetation growth, providing more food for deer and supporting a larger population.

D. The number of cattle ranchers decreased in the past five years.

• Fewer cattle ranchers could mean less competition for food resources, allowing deer to have more access to food and potentially leading to an increase in their population.

E. The law allowed an extended wolf hunting season for the past five years.

• If the hunting season for wolves was extended, it could have led to a decrease in the wolf population, resulting in less predation on deer and allowing their population to increase.

Statements B and C would not explain the increase in the deer population because:

• B. A hawk species settling in the area is unlikely to affect deer populations significantly, as hawks primarily prey on smaller animals.
• C. Extremely harsh winters would typically decrease deer populations due to increased mortality from exposure and food scarcity.