Pheasants are a type of bird. Two male pheasants and six female pheasants were introduced onto an island with abundant food and
few predators. Within six breeding seasons, the pheasant population increased from eight birds to two thousand birds. Over time, however, the growth rate of the population slowed.Which of the following statements describes the most likely reason for this decrease in population growth rate? * a.)Females built smaller nests, which decreased the birth rate.
b.)Competition for resources increased, which increased the death rate.
c.)Large numbers of birds needed mates, which increased the immigration rate.
d.)Fewer eggs hatched each successive year, which decreased the emigration rate.
<em>The correct option is B) Competition for resources increased, which increased the death rate.</em>
Explanation:
The maximum number of organisms of a species that a place can hold is termed as the carrying capacity of that place. When the number of organisms in a community increases beyond the carrying capacity, the resources t support these organisms become lesser as compared to the organism number. As a result, competition begins between the organisms to for these resources. Most of the organisms die due to lack of resources, others might migrate and hence the population begins to decline.
