* Predator-Prey Dynamics: The relationship between foxes and rabbits is a classic example of predator-prey dynamics. When rabbit populations are high, foxes have an abundant food source and their population grows.
* Population Control: As the fox population increases, they consume more rabbits, eventually leading to a decline in the rabbit population. This decline in rabbits, in turn, reduces the food source for foxes, causing their population to decrease as well.
* Cyclical Pattern: This creates a cyclical pattern: rabbit population rises, fox population rises, rabbit population falls, fox population falls, and so on. The ten-year cycle of the rabbit population is likely influenced by this predator-prey relationship.
In short, the foxes act as a natural control mechanism for the rabbit population, preventing it from becoming too large and potentially exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment.