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Multiple Choice
In population ecology, which statement correctly differentiates population density from population distribution?
A
Population density is the geographic range size of a species, whereas population distribution is the carrying capacity of its environment.
B
Population density is the rate of population growth over time, whereas population distribution is the age structure of the population.
C
Population density is the number of individuals per unit area or volume, whereas population distribution describes the spatial arrangement of individuals within that area (e.g., clumped, uniform, or random).
D
Population density describes whether individuals are clumped, uniform, or random, whereas population distribution is the number of individuals per unit area or volume.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of population density. Population density refers to the number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume. It quantifies how crowded or sparse a population is in a given space.
Step 2: Understand the concept of population distribution. Population distribution describes how individuals are spatially arranged within the area they occupy. Common patterns include clumped (grouped together), uniform (evenly spaced), or random (no predictable pattern).
Step 3: Differentiate between the two concepts. Population density is a numerical measure (individuals per unit area), while population distribution is a descriptive pattern of how those individuals are spread out in space.
Step 4: Evaluate the given statements by matching them to these definitions. The correct statement should identify population density as a measure of number per area/volume and population distribution as the spatial arrangement pattern.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct differentiation is: 'Population density is the number of individuals per unit area or volume, whereas population distribution describes the spatial arrangement of individuals within that area (e.g., clumped, uniform, or random).' This aligns with the biological definitions.