Question

Self-thinning

A) is found only in populations of mobile organisms.
B) occurs at high population densities.
C) functions to increase the survival rate of all individuals in the population.
D) is a type of scramble competition.

Answer 1

Self-thinning occurs at high population densities and is a natural process in which a population reduces in size through competition for limited resources.

Step-by-step explanation:

Self-thinning occurs at high population densities. It is a natural process in which a population reduces in size through competition for limited resources, such as food, water, and space.

This process is observed in plant populations, as well as in animal populations. As individuals within a population compete for resources, the weaker individuals are unable to acquire sufficient resources and ultimately die off, resulting in a self-thinning population.

For example, in a forest, as trees grow larger and more crowded, they compete for sunlight, nutrients, and water. Weaker trees that are unable to acquire these resources will not thrive and will die off, allowing the surviving trees to have access to sufficient resources.