A population of wolves in Wyoming experienced a rapid decline. Scientists found that 20 wolves died from rabies, 15 wolves died from mange (a parasitic mite), and 10 wolves died from natural causes. Wyoming experienced a recent drought, and many populations, including deer, bison, and bear, have diminished in the past year. What is best described in this scenario?
Answer
A
Wolves reached their greatest population growth.
B
Wolves were exposed to too many limiting factors.
C
Wolves were unaffected by other populations in Wyoming.
D
Wolves’ breeding season was affected by the drought.
Explanation
The wolves faced several limiting factors: rabies, mange, natural deaths, and drought-related changes in the ecosystem. Together, these factors can reduce a population, which fits the rapid decline described. The scenario does not say that drought affected the wolves’ breeding season, so D is not supported.
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