What effect does a large number of rabbits in an area have on the plants they use for food? Question 2 options: An underpopulation of rabbits results in fewer plants. This situation does not affect other organisms that depend on the same plants for their food. An overpopulation of rabbits results in fewer plants. This situation could also affect other organisms that depend on the same plants for their food. Eastern cottontail rabbits dig nests in the soil to have their young. The rabbits cannot do this if the soil is too hard or rocky. That's why eastern cottontail rabbits live in places where the soil is soft or sandy.