Question #89e9a
1 Answer
Local interacting populations of predator and prey can be influenced by environmental (abiotic) factors such as weather and by biotic factors such as food supply or disease-causing pathogens.
Explanation:
When weather is mild, and abiotic factors such as sunlight and water are abundant, there can be a greater production of plants that are the source of food for herbivores such as rabbits. This can cause a local, temporary increase in the population density of rabbits.
The increase in rabbit population can then cause an increase in the population of predators such as foxes, if rabbits form a significant part of their diet.
However, if the plant population declines (from weather changes, or excessive herbivory by the abundant rabbits and other animals), then the rabbit population may decline, and with it the fox population.
Additionally, high population density can increase the transmission of pathogenic organisms, which can increase mortality due to disease.
