A population of 20 squirrels, with 10 males and 10 females, colonizes a new area with no predators and enough plant species to support a squirrel population of 200 individuals. Each year, a female produces 2 offspring, one male and one female, that survive to reproduce. Within the first 2 years in the new area, the growth curve for this squirrel population will show:

A. logistic growth because the squirrel population will reach maximum population size immediately after colonization. B. logistic growth because there is a carrying capacity in the newly colonized area. C. exponential growth because only a few individuals will have offspring. D. exponential growth because the colonizing population size is far below the carrying capacity.

Question

Biology

Ali Willis

28 March, 04:26

A population of 20 squirrels, with 10 males and 10 females, colonizes a new area with no predators and enough plant species to support a squirrel population of 200 individuals. Each year, a female produces 2 offspring, one male and one female, that survive to reproduce. Within the first 2 years in the new area, the growth curve for this squirrel population will show:

A. logistic growth because the squirrel population will reach maximum population size immediately after colonization. B. logistic growth because there is a carrying capacity in the newly colonized area. C. exponential growth because only a few individuals will have offspring. D. exponential growth because the colonizing population size is far below the carrying capacity.

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Answers (1)

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Erick Faulkner · Answer 1

Option D

Explanation:

The growth curve for this squirrel population will show exponential growth; (constant multiple in each generation and with unlimited resource availability) because the colonizing population size after the first two years estimated at still being less than 100 is still far below the carrying capacity of 200 individuals.