Question

what evidence would suggest that food is a limiting resource in an ecosystem? * 1 point
○ increased predator populations
○ decreased competition
○ slower growth rates and fewer offspring
○ more rainfall in the area

Explanation:

• For "Increased predator populations": More predators would likely need more food, but this doesn't directly show food is limiting (could be other factors for predator increase).
• For "Decreased competition": If food were limiting, competition for it would likely increase, not decrease.
• For "Slower growth rates and fewer offspring": When food is limited, organisms have less energy/nutrients for growth and reproduction, leading to slower growth and fewer offspring. This is a direct result of insufficient food (a limiting resource).
• For "More rainfall in the area": Rainfall affects water availability, not directly food availability as a limiting resource in the context of this question.

Answer:

C. Slower growth rates and fewer offspring