Rabbits produce large numbers of offspring

during each reproductive season, yet the

number of rabbits within a given population

changes very little from year to year. The

stability of the population size is most likely the

result of

(1) the development of mutations in young

rabbits

(2) environmental factors that keep the

population in check

(3) rabbits continuing to reproduce when the

population is large

(4) the survival of more female rabbits than

male rabbits

Rabbits produce large numbers of offspring during each reproductive season, yet the number of rabbits within a given population changes very little from year to year. The stability of the population size is most likely the result of environmental factors that keep the population in check (2). Rabbits are seen as food by many predators which will keep the numbers down. The principle of the survival of the fittest will ensure that young strong rabbits get to breed and carry the gene pool to the next generation.