Question

tundra biomes are found in the northern polar region. the ground is frozen from deep underground nearly to the surface. the thin layer of soil allows only small plants with shallow roots to grow. however, it is believed that global warming might cause tundra ground to thaw to a greater depth, allowing larger plants to grow. if this occurs, animal populations in the tundra could be expected to increase. which best explains why animal populations could increase?

○ territory would increase in size

○ a limiting factor would become more available

○ nutrients would cycle more quickly to decomposers.

○ an ecologically warmer habitat would increase oxygen rates

Explanation:

In an ecosystem, limiting factors (such as food availability) restrict population growth. Here, larger plants (due to thawing) would mean more food (a limiting factor) for animals. Territory size isn't directly related as per the given scenario (no mention of space expansion). Nutrient cycling to decomposers doesn't directly impact animal populations. And there's no indication that oxygen rates are the key factor here. The main idea is that a resource (food - related to the larger plants) which was a limiting factor becomes more available.

Answer:

A limiting factor would become more available.