Atheory of evolution that states that a species evolves in spurts of rapid change and then goes through periods of no change is known as
adaptive radiation
convergent evolution
divergent evolution
punctuated equilibrium

punctuated equilibrium

Explanation:

Punctuated equilibrium a model of evolution that explains evolutionary pattern as exhibited by fossils. According to punctuated equilibrium, a species undergoes a long period of no change or no evolution. This period of no change is called "stasis". And stasis is sometimes interrupted by a rapid phase of evolution. This pattern of evolution with long static phage interrupted by rapid phage of changes is called punctuated equilibrium.

a. decomposes use carbon from dead organisms as fuel for cellular respiration, returning carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

answer: decrease

a limiting factor is the one which decrease the abundance, distribution and causes extinction of the population of species in a ecosystem. here, predators including hawks, owls and snakes are the limiting factor for the population of mexican free tailed bat.   although bats are nocturnal animals as they forge for food at night these predators also may remain active during night which can decrease the population of the mexican free-tailed bats. also, these bats eat only one type of insects that are moths. the food can also be a limiting factor as all 400 members are dependent upon same type of food needs that are moths. the decrease in the moth population can cause decrease in population size of the mexican free-tailed bats.

therefore, the scenarios will most likely to decrease the population size of the mexican free-tailed bats.