Why can humans generally harvest renewable resources of plants and animals sustainably?

The rationale behind the correct answer is centered on the concept of reproductive surplus in populations of organisms. Many species of plants and animals have the ability to produce more offspring than their environment can support, which leads to a situation where there are excess individuals beyond what is necessary for species survival.

This reproductive surplus means that as long as the harvesting practice allows enough individuals to survive and reproduce, populations can sustain themselves despite the harvesting efforts. For example, if a fishery practices catch limits that ensure a certain percentage of the fish population remains, that population can continue to thrive and replenish itself. This principle is fundamental in sustainable management practices, as it ensures that harvesting does not exceed the natural regenerative capacity of the species involved.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that may not effectively support sustainable harvesting. Options suggesting that new species evolve to replace harvested ones or that ecosystems continuously change with new species do not necessarily guarantee that the harvested species will maintain viable populations. Additionally, harvesting organisms only after they reproduce might not address the complexity of population dynamics and ecological balance needed for true sustainability. Thus, the ability of organisms to produce more offspring than needed serves as a foundational principle for sustainable resource harvesting.