Washington State Hunters Ed Practice Exam

Which of the following are natural ways animal populations are controlled?

1. Hunting and trapping

2. Starvation, diseases, and predators

3. Breeding programs

4. Feeding by humans

The correct answer is: Starvation, diseases, and predators

Animal populations are naturally controlled through various ecological factors, one of which includes starvation, diseases, and natural predators. These factors function together in what is often referred to as the natural ecosystem balance. Starvation can occur when food resources become scarce due to overpopulation, leading to competition among individuals for limited resources. This competition can result in the death of weaker individuals, thus regulating the population size. Diseases naturally spread among wildlife populations and can disproportionately affect those that are weak or sick, leading to a reduction in population density. When animals live in close quarters, such as during overpopulation, the likelihood of disease transmission increases, thus playing a key role in controlling population numbers. Predators also serve as a crucial component of natural population control. They target prey species, maintaining a balance within the ecosystem. When predator populations rise, they can reduce the numbers of prey species, while a decline in predators can allow those prey populations to increase. In contrast, activities such as hunting, trapping, breeding programs, and feeding by humans do not reflect the natural mechanisms of control. While hunting and trapping can impact animal populations, they are human-induced actions. Similarly, breeding programs are a form of wildlife management, while feeding by humans can disrupt natural foraging behaviors and lead