Snowshoe hare and Canadian lynx live in the boreal forest of Canada. The snowshoe hare is the main prey species of the Canadian lynx. They usually live 1 to 2 years and have four to six offspring at one time. The Canadian lynx is a large cat, which lives up to 15 years and has one to four cubs each year. In spring when vegetation is plentiful, the hare population increases quickly. When the hare population becomes more numerous, they are easy to track and catch, and the Canadian lynx population increases. The Canadian lynx hunts the snowshoe hare and causes their population numbers to drop over time. When the hare population increases, it is easier for the lynx to find and take a member of that population. This is an example of a:.
a) density-independent factor
b) community factor
c) growth factor
d) density-dependent factor

The correct answer is D) Density-dependent factor

Explanation:

In ecosystems, different factors regulate the population of living beings and preserves the natural equilibrium. These factors are commonly classified in density-independent factors and density-dependent factors based on whether these are related to the density of a population. In the case of predation (animals hunting others), this is considered a density-dependent factor because it increases or decreases depending on the size of a population.

For example, in the case of hares and lynxes, the predation increases as the population of hares increases because this makes it easier for lynxes to hunt on hares. Also, this increases the availability of food for the lynxes. Besides this, this regulates the population of hares by preventing overpopulation. Thus, this situation is an example of a density-dependent factor.

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