A rabbit population is affected by parasitism and disease, both of which are density-dependent limiting factors. Which statement describes the effects of parasitism and disease on the rabbits?

Question

(A) Parasites and disease weaken or kill a constant percentage of the rabbit population, regardless of its density.

(B) As the density of the rabbit population increases, parasites and disease weaken or kill a greater percentage of rabbits.

(C) As the density of the rabbit population increases, parasites and disease weaken or kill a lesser percentage of rabbits.

(D) Parasites and disease weaken or kill mostly the youngest and oldest rabbits, and not the rabbits of average age.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(B) As the density of the rabbit population increases, parasites and disease weaken or kill a greater percentage of rabbits.

This is because density-dependent factors, such as parasitism and disease, typically become more impactful as the population density increases, leading to a higher percentage of individuals being affected.