Answer:
Claim: The increase in the buffalo population was primarily caused by food availability rather than climate.Evidence supporting the claim includes historical records of the buffalo population fluctuating in response to changes in available vegetation, as well as observations of buffalo populations in regions with similar climates but varying food resources. Furthermore, studies have shown that during periods of drought, when vegetation is scarce, buffalo populations decrease, whereas during times of ample food resources, buffalo populations increase.However, it is important to note that climate can still indirectly impact the buffalo population through its effects on vegetation and food availability. For example, prolonged droughts or extreme weather events can lead to reductions in vegetation growth, which can in turn impact the availability of food for the buffalo.Therefore, while climate can have an impact on the buffalo population, it is the availability of food that is the primary driver of changes in population size.