Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between carrying capacity and population size? a. carrying capacity increases population size. b. carrying capacity determines maximum population size. c. population size is not affected by carrying capacity. d. population size increases the carrying capacity.

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."

c is the newer have a great day