Final answer:
As the population of predators increases, the population of the prey species typically decreases due to higher predation rates. This interaction can lead to cyclical population dynamics with each population acting as a limiting factor for the other.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the dynamics between predator and prey populations, it is important to understand that as the population of predators increases, typically the population of the prey species decreases. This pattern follows because more predators result in more prey being captured and consumed, leading to a natural decline in prey numbers.
Over time, this interaction between predator and prey can result in cyclical patterns where prey population growth leads to an increase in predator numbers, which then cause a decrease in prey numbers again. This continues in a cyclic manner, with the fortunes of each population tied to the other. The prey population acts as a limiting factor for the predator population since it is their main food source. Similarly, as predator numbers grow, they become a limiting factor for prey population size through increased predation.
Therefore, in response to the original question, the most accurate statement is (A) that as the population of a predator increases, the population of the prey species decreases.