In a forested region, mountain lions and wolves prey upon the deer population to near disappearance. To protect the deer population, most of the mountain lions and wolves in this region were eliminated through hunting. As a result, over-hunting occurred and the deer population increased rapidly. After several years, what most likely will happen to the deer population in the absence of its predators?

The questions have been asked in several important state and regional science exams in the United States. For example: TAKS-Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, New York State Educational Department Regents exams, California Standards Test, etc.