Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What happened to food availability after the sharp population increase of deer from 1910 to 1925?

1. Food supply remained stable and abundant

2. Deer overconsumed food, lowering availability for future years

3. Food supply increased to accommodate the population

4. Deer migrated to different regions for food

The correct answer is: Deer overconsumed food, lowering availability for future years

The correct answer highlights the ecological principle that when a specific population, like deer, experiences a sharp increase, it can lead to overconsumption of available food resources. Between 1910 and 1925, if the deer population surged, they would have likely consumed vegetation and other food sources at a much higher rate than before. This increased demand can lead to a depletion of the food supply, making it less available for both the deer themselves in the future and other species that rely on the same food sources. As the deer continue to overconsume, the regeneration of plant life may not keep pace with the consumption rate, resulting in a significant decrease in food availability over time. This scenario underscores the interconnectedness of populations and their environments, illustrating how a single species' growth can have cascading effects on ecosystem dynamics.