Refer to the graph below. The size of a deer population in an enclosed, protected area was measured over several years and found to be following the red (left) growth curve shown.After several years of drought, its population size more closely followed the blue (right) curve.What factor probably caused the change in the deer's population growth?
A) Emigration
B) Immigration
C) Genetic alterations
D) Food or water limitations
E) A flood or hurricane

Question

Refer to the graph below.  The size of a deer population in an enclosed, protected area was measured over several years and found to be following the red (left) growth curve shown.After several years of drought, its population size more closely followed the blue (right) curve.What factor probably caused the change in the deer's population growth?
A) Emigration 
B) Immigration 
C) Genetic alterations 
D) Food or water limitations 
E) A flood or hurricane

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change in the deer population growth is most likely due to food or water limitations caused by the drought. The decrease in available resources would lead to a decrease in the carrying capacity of the environment, resulting in a decline in the population growth rate. This is reflected in the blue curve, which shows a slower population growth rate during the drought period. Emigration or immigration, genetic alterations, and floods or hurricanes are not supported by the information given in the graph.

Refer to the Graph Below