Which scenario would increase population size in a habitat?

• A. Introduction of predators
• B. Pollution
• C. More resources
• D. Fewer resources

Answer: (C)

More resources allow a population to grow because when food, water, space, and shelter are plentiful, more individuals can survive and reproduce, boosting the number of organisms in the habitat. Population size increases when birth rates are high and death rates are low, and abundant resources help both of those things happen until the environment reaches its carrying capacity—the maximum number the habitat can support over time.

In contrast, introducing predators increases mortality, pollution can harm or kill individuals, and fewer resources raise competition and limit survival and reproduction, all of which tend to reduce or stabilize population size rather than increase it.