A population of foxes inhabits a small forest. The size of the population is currently below the forest's carrying capacity for the foxes. Which factor could cause an increase in the population's growth rate?

A. The population's level of immigration falls below it's level of emigration.

B. The population's birth rate falls below it's death rate after a predator is introduced.

C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population.

D. A lack of mating opportunities increases the populations level of emigration.

Answer: C. An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population.

Explanation:

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem can be defined as the maximum size of a population of a species an ecosystem can support on the basis of availability of resources such as food, water, habitat and other requirements.

An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population. is the correct option because to increase the population till the carrying capacity there must be surplus supply of food should be available to the population which can support in increase in birth rate so that the population can attain a level at the carrying capacity.

PLATO

A.

The population's birth rate falls below its death rate after a predator is introduced.

B.

A lack of mating opportunities increases the population's level of emigration.

C.

An increase in food availability increases the birth rate in the population.

D.

The population's level of immigration falls below its level of emigration.