What factors can influence wildlife populations?

Habitat availability and human impact are critical factors influencing wildlife populations. The availability of suitable habitats is essential for the survival and reproduction of species. When natural habitats are altered or destroyed due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation, animal populations can decline dramatically. This is because many species require specific habitat types for shelter, breeding, and foraging.

Human impact encompasses a range of activities that can affect wildlife, including pollution, climate change, and hunting or fishing pressures, all of which can have profound effects on population numbers and health. For example, pollutants can contaminate food sources, and climate change can shift suitable habitats, forcing species to adapt or face extinction.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the complexity of factors affecting wildlife populations. Uniform climate conditions may not provide the necessary variability for certain species to thrive, while population density alone ignores the need for adequate resources and habitat. Geographic location can play a role, but it is not the sole determining factor without considering the impacts of habitat and human activity. Thus, the combination of habitat availability and human impact comprehensively addresses the multifaceted challenges that wildlife populations face, making it the most accurate choice.