Question

a species of rabbit lives in a meadow where grass plants are readily available during summer months. the rabbits do not stray far from the meadow because the plants supply food and protect from predators. one summer, a fire destroys the plants in the meadow. as a result of the absence of plants in the meadow, the rabbit population will probably a decrease in size. b increase and flourish c increase reproduction d switch to a different type of food

Explanation:

The rabbits rely on the meadow plants for food and protection. When a fire destroys the plants, their food source and shelter are lost. Without these resources, the rabbit population is likely to face difficulties in surviving and reproducing, leading to a decrease in size. Option B is incorrect as the loss of resources won't make them increase. Option C is wrong because the lack of food and shelter would hinder reproduction. Option D is less likely as the question is about the immediate effect of plant absence, and the primary impact is on population size due to resource loss rather than an immediate switch (and the question is about what "will probably" happen, with population decrease being more certain than a food switch).

Answer:

A. decrease in size.