If all the red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and rattlesnakes are removed from the ecosystem, which BEST predicts the effect on the population of desert cottontails?

A
The cottontail population will experience rapid growth due to a lack of competition for resources.

B
The cottontail population will experience unlimited growth without predators to control their populations.

C
The cottontail population will experience rapid growth without predators but will eventually stabilize due to a lack of resources.

D
The cottontail population will experience growth due to an increase in resources but will eventually stabilize due to increased competition.