Competition for food among the black bear population was most likely the greatest during the
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Spring
Explanation:
Competition for food among the black bear population is most likely greatest during the spring season. This is because black bears enter a state of hibernation during the winter months, during which they do not eat and rely solely on fat reserves stored in their bodies. When they emerge from hibernation in early spring, they are typically very hungry and in urgent need of nutrition to replenish their lost energy and restore body strength.
During spring, food resources are still relatively scarce compared to summer and fall. Plant life is just beginning to regrow, and many of the fruits, berries, and other vegetation that make up a significant part of a bear’s diet are not yet fully available. As a result, black bears may compete more intensely for the limited food that is accessible, such as early-emerging vegetation, small mammals, or carrion left from the winter. This scarcity leads to increased competition among individuals, especially in areas where bear populations are high or food resources are limited.
In contrast, summer and fall offer more abundant food. Summer provides a wider variety of plants, insects, and sometimes fish. Fall is a particularly rich feeding time known as hyperphagia, when bears consume large amounts of food to gain weight in preparation for hibernation. Though bears do feed aggressively during fall, food is generally more available, which may reduce the level of direct competition.
Winter, on the other hand, sees very little competition because most bears are inactive and not feeding. Thus, among all seasons, spring represents the period when competition for food among black bears is most intense due to the combination of high nutritional demand and limited food availability.