Which of the following factors contributes to population changes?

The correct answer is that all of the mentioned factors contribute to population changes. Each of these elements plays a significant role in influencing wildlife populations and their dynamics.

Weather patterns can impact food availability, habitat conditions, and the timing of breeding seasons, all of which can affect population sizes. For instance, extreme weather events such as droughts or heavy flooding can severely disrupt habitats and reduce the survival rates of various species.

Predation is another critical factor as it influences the number of individuals in prey populations. The presence of predators can regulate the population of prey species, ensuring that it remains balanced within the ecosystem. An increase in predation pressure can lead to a decrease in the prey population, while a decline in predator numbers may allow prey populations to flourish.

Human impact encompasses a wide range of activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, all of which can drastically alter ecosystems and wildlife populations. Such impacts can lead to the loss of biodiversity, changes in species distribution, and ultimately, population declines or extinctions.

When considered together, these factors illustrate the interrelatedness of ecological influences that shape wildlife populations, making the choice that includes all of them the most comprehensive and accurate.