Question

Explain how seasonal changes in carrying capacity can account for the annual cycles in population size observed for this population of rabbits in Ohio

Answer 1

Carrying capacity is how many animals a given location can hold. This means that if the number of rabbits, n, exceeds the carrying capacity, C, then the difference between the number of rabbits minus the carrying capacity (n - C) will likely die to starvation. Seasons in Ohio can directly affect carrying capacity because colder weather usually means less food. Rabbits can eat plants as well, and in winter, plants do not do well to survive. Thus, the carrying capacity will decrease. In contrast, in summer, plants flourish so the carrying capacity will increase.