Which statement best accounts for the decline in bighorn sheep populations? 1. Predators of the sheep decreased in number. 2. Sheep ewes that have shorter, spiked horns increased in number. 3. Human activities directly and indirectly affected the sheep. 4. The sheep were listed as a "species of concern" by Glacier National Park.

The statement which best accounts for the decline of the bighorn sheep population is - " Human activities directly and indirectly affected the sheep."

Explanation: Explaination of the following statements -

Predation is rarely considered a major mortality factor (Wishart 1975, 1978). It is well known that bighorn sheep are preyed upon, but there is little information available on the effect(s) of predation on the populations of bighorn sheep. Numerous citations document the stalking and/or killing of bighorn sheep by a number of predators.

Thus , this statement is not correct.

Thus , the statement does not match with the decline of the bighorn sheep.

Hence, this statement is correct .

Home to 400 to 600 bighorn sheep, Glacier National Park lists the animal as a "species of concern," that is, at risk of being endangered.  The research has also shown just how sheep-like bighorns could be. They're creatures of habit, that is.  Therefore , the national park indicated the species at risk , but were not responsible for their declination.

Hence, this statement is incorrect.

Therefore , the correct answer is 3 ( Human activities directly and indirectly affected the sheep.)

meteorologists would compare a new weather map with one 24 h old to see how fast a front is moving.