Which factor can contribute to the recovery of a threatened population?

Habitat restoration plays a crucial role in the recovery of threatened populations. When a habitat is degraded due to factors such as urban development, deforestation, or pollution, the organisms that depend on it can suffer severe population declines. By restoring the habitat, such as replanting native vegetation, cleaning up pollutants, and rehabilitating ecosystems, the natural environment can support the species that inhabit it more effectively. This process can lead to increased food availability, improved breeding grounds, and reduced competition and predation pressures, all of which are essential for population recovery.

The other factors mentioned, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not directly support the recovery of threatened populations in the same way. Increased predation can result in further declines in already struggling populations, while climate change presents various stresses that can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Pollution control could have positive effects, but the restoration of habitat specifically targets the direct needs of the threatened species, providing a more immediate and effective solution for their recovery.