Overpopulating rabbits in Australia were finally controlled by a disease spread trough the population. A higher death rate was recorded in regions with large population than small population. The disease can be considered....
A. A density-dependent factor.
B. A density-independent factor.
C. Interspecific competitaion.
D. Both A and C.
See the last post.
The answer to this question is A. A density-dependent factor.
To understand why, let's break down the definitions of density-dependent and density-independent factors when it comes to population control.
Density-dependent factors are those that affect a population in relation to its size or density. As the population size increases, the impact of these factors also increases. On the other hand, density-independent factors have an impact on a population regardless of its size or density. These factors are typically external and not influenced by population size.
In the given scenario, the disease spread through the rabbit population and caused a higher death rate in regions with a large rabbit population compared to regions with small populations. This indicates that the disease's impact was directly related to the density of the rabbit population. As the density increased, the disease spread more easily and had a more significant effect on the population. Therefore, the disease can be considered a density-dependent factor.
Interspecific competition refers to competition between different species, which is not directly relevant to this situation.
Hence, the correct answer is A. A density-dependent factor.