Question

A population of 20 monarch butterflies colonizes a meadow. The meadow's carrying capacity for monarch butterflies is 5,000 individuals. What statement best describes the growth of the population of monarch butterflies after the meadow is colonized?
A.
The population grows at a constant rate until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then its growth rate increases.
B.
The population grows exponentially until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then the population size begins to decrease.
C.
The population grows exponentially until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then its growth rate decreases.
D.
The population grows at a constant rate until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then the population size remains stable.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option D, that is, the population grows at a constant rate until it approaches 5,000 individuals, and then the population size remains stable.

Explanation:

The maximum capacity of the monarch butterfly, which can thrive in the meadow is 5000, which signifies that the population of twenty butterflies will continue to grow unless and until it attains the population of 5000.  

In case if the growth of the population takes place exponentially, then there would be an end and the limit of 5000 would not have any significance. However, if the growth of the population takes place logistically, then the end of the growth would be the same as the limit that signifies that the 5000 limits would exhibit significance.  

Thus, the only probable answer would be option D, that is, the population will attain 5000 mark and post that the growth will become stable, which precisely takes place in a logistic growth.  

Answer 2

Answer:

The only possible answer is D, which states that the population will reach 5000 and after that the growth will stabilise (exactly what would hapen in a logistic growth).

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