Question

a population of deer migrated to a nearby forest during the late 1990s. this population thrived as there were few predators and lush vegetation. the graph below shows the population growth of this deer population between 2000 and 2025: based on the trend, which of the following provides the best explanation for why the deer population increased rapidly at first but then began to decline after 2010? the deer population reached carrying capacity, leading to competition for limited food and resources. the deer population decreased because predators completely eliminated the herd. the deer population declined because the deer forgot migration routes and could no longer find food.

Explanation:

• Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals an environment can support. When a population reaches it, competition for resources (like food) increases, which can lead to a decline.
• If predators completely eliminated the herd, the population would likely drop more sharply and not follow the shown trend.
• The idea of deer "forgetting migration routes" is not a scientifically valid reason for population decline in this context.

Answer:

The deer population reached carrying capacity, leading to competition for limited food and resources.