Assuming that these populations are density dependent, what would be the likely outcome if the system depicted in the previous figure were allowed to continue?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, consider what density dependence means for population growth: as population size (N) increases and approaches the carrying capacity (K) of the environment, resources become scarcer, competition intensifies, and the growth rate slows down.
Option a: 'Population growth would likely decrease.' This aligns with density-dependent dynamics. The feedback from higher densities reduces per-capita birth rates or increases mortality, leading to a slower increase in population size over time or a leveling off near K, which is characteristic of logistic-type growth.
Option b: 'Population growth would continue to be discontinuous.' Density dependence typically produces smooth changes in growth rate as N changes, not abrupt, discontinuous jumps. Therefore this option mischaracterizes the predictable gradual slowdown expected under density dependence.
Option c: 'Individual growth would continue to be indeterminate.' The question concerns population-level dynamics, not individual growth trajectories in isolation. Indeterminacy is not a standard outcome described by density-dependent models of populations, so this is not a correct framing.
Option d: 'Populations would go extinct.' While strong density-dependent effects can contribute to decline under extreme resource limitation, the typical expectation in a density-dependent, resource-limited system is a stabilized carrying capacity rather than guaranteed extinction, unless additional stressors or stochastic events push N below viable levels. Therefore extinction is not the most likely generic outcome here.
Overall, the most consistent outcome with density dependence is a deceleration and potential stabilization of population growth as the carrying capacity is approached, making option a the correct choice.

BIO 112-004 - Spring 2025: Biological Concepts and Methods I I (Lecture)

Assuming that these populations are density dependent, what would be the likely outcome if the system depicted in the previous figure were allowed to continue?

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