Final answer:
The tule elk population could increase due to availability of food and reduction in predation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tule elk population could increase due to two main reasons:
- Availability of food: If the tule elk have access to abundant food resources, it can lead to an increase in their population. Sufficient food availability ensures that elk have enough energy to reproduce and raise offspring.
- Reduction in predation: If the number of predators preying on tule elk decreases, it can result in a rise in their population. This reduction in predation pressure allows more elk to survive and reproduce.