Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

What happens to animal populations when food resources become limited?

1. The populations increase rapidly

2. The populations stabilize

3. Some animals die due to starvation

4. The habitats become overpopulated

The correct answer is: Some animals die due to starvation

When food resources become limited, some animals die due to starvation because they are unable to meet their nutritional needs for survival. In ecological terms, food availability is a crucial factor that affects animal populations. When the food supply decreases, competition among individuals for the limited resources increases, leading to higher mortality rates, particularly among weaker or younger individuals who may not be able to compete effectively for the remaining food. This natural process helps regulate the population size, often resulting in a decline as only those individuals that can find enough food survive. In contrast, while populations may stabilize under certain conditions, or habitats may become overpopulated, these scenarios typically require a balance of resources that allows animals to survive and reproduce. The first option, which suggests that populations increase rapidly, is contrary to what occurs when resources are scarce, as the lack of food would prevent rapid population growth.