Oh Deer!

0. There are 4 basic resources for any animal species' survival: food, water, shelter and ample space. The place where all 4 are present is known as the animal's habitat. A wildlife population grows when there is access to all 4 resources. As the population grows and the habitat is used more, sometimes resources decline to a point at which the population can no longer be supported. When this happens, the population declines, which enables the resources to replenish themselves. The cycle begins again with the animal population increasing, peaking, declining, and repopulating. A population is affected by a variety of factors, including disease, extreme weather conditions, environmental pollution, predator and prey relationships, and habitat destruction. These are collectively known as limiting factors, as they prevent a population from growing so large that it depletes all resources in the habitat. However, if too many limiting factors are present, a wildlife population can decline significantly or even become extinct.