Consider the model of a hypothetical rabbit population. Over time, the rabbit population thrives, reproduces, and grows. If the ecosystem remains stable as the population grows, would any abiotic limiting factors develop? If yes, what would they be?

Question

Responses

A Yes. As the population grows, available space could become limited.Yes. As the population grows, available space could become limited.

B Yes. A growing population means increased disease will be a limiting factor.Yes. A growing population means increased disease will be a limiting factor.

C No. If the ecosystem remains stable the rabbit population will continue to grow.No. If the ecosystem remains stable the rabbit population will continue to grow.

D No. As the population grows, the death rate increases so there are enough resources for all.No. As the population grows, the death rate increases so there are enough resources for all.
Question 2

The hypothetical rabbit population reproduces and grows. Eventually, the death rate increases due to limiting factors. How would you adapt this hypothetical situation to create a different result and have a stable rabbit population without starvation and overcrowding?
Responses

A Include another source of food for the rabbit population so there will be enough food for all the rabbits.Include another source of food for the rabbit population so there will be enough food for all the rabbits.

B Decrease the amount of available food for the rabbit population. The numbers will be lower as well as the reproduction rate. Decrease the amount of available food for the rabbit population. The numbers will be lower as well as the reproduction rate.

C Add a predator to the model. That will decrease the number of rabbits surviving to reproduce and there will be space and food to keep the rabbit population stable.Add a predator to the model. That will decrease the number of rabbits surviving to reproduce and there will be space and food to keep the rabbit population stable.

D Introduce a disease to the rabbit population that will drastically reduce the number of rabbits in the population. That will provide more food to the remaining rabbits.

Answer 1

Question 1

Response A: Yes. As the population grows, available space could become limited.

This response is correct because as the rabbit population grows, it requires more physical space to thrive, which can lead to competition for territory and habitat. Limited space is an abiotic limiting factor that affects population growth.

Question 2

Response C: Add a predator to the model. That will decrease the number of rabbits surviving to reproduce and there will be space and food to keep the rabbit population stable.

This response is also correct. Introducing a predator can help regulate the rabbit population by decreasing the number of rabbits that survive to reproduce. This helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem, ensuring that food and space remain adequate for the remaining population, thus preventing starvation and overcrowding.