Question

A population of 100 butterflies living on an acre of land loses three-quarters of its members when a sudden freeze in the spring occurs just after they emerge as caterpillars. This population has undergone a reduction in population size due to
A. a density-independent factor.
B. natural selection.
C. an intrinsic factor.
D. a density-dependent factor.

Answer 1

Answer: Option A (Density-independent factor)

Explanation:

Density-independent factor is a population regulation factor that affect or influence the size of a population without considering the population density. Climate and weather are the main density-independent factors in nature.

Their effects increment is directly proportional to the increase in population size. These factors are environmental agents that checkmate the size of a population without putting the reproductive and behavioral patterns of the organisms into consideration.