Question
A population of cottontail rabbits gives birth to an average of eight kits (baby rabbits) per litter, and it only has one predator.
However, an average of only two kits per litter actually lives to maturity. Which of these might explain this low survival rate?
A.
There is enough water in the region to support six kits per litter.
B.
A population of birds lives nearby that does not prey on rabbits or eat their food.
C.
A population of bobcats depends on these rabbits for food.
D.
There is enough grass to feed up to nine kits per litter.
However, an average of only two kits per litter actually lives to maturity. Which of these might explain this low survival rate?
A.
There is enough water in the region to support six kits per litter.
B.
A population of birds lives nearby that does not prey on rabbits or eat their food.
C.
A population of bobcats depends on these rabbits for food.
D.
There is enough grass to feed up to nine kits per litter.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The low survival rate of only two kits per litter out of an average of eight might be explained by the presence of a predator.
Therefore, the best explanation among the options provided is:
**C. A population of bobcats depends on these rabbits for food.**
The presence of bobcats as predators would directly impact the survival rate of the kits, leading to a lower number of rabbits reaching maturity. The other options either do not directly affect survival or simply indicate that resources are sufficient.
Therefore, the best explanation among the options provided is:
**C. A population of bobcats depends on these rabbits for food.**
The presence of bobcats as predators would directly impact the survival rate of the kits, leading to a lower number of rabbits reaching maturity. The other options either do not directly affect survival or simply indicate that resources are sufficient.
There are no human answers yet. A form for humans to post answers is coming very soon!