Final answer:
Ants are not expected to have a uniform distribution pattern as they live in colonies, which result in a clumped distribution. The correct answer is option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, population distribution refers to how species are spaced out across their habitat. The question asks which species would not be expected to exhibit a regular, or uniform, distribution pattern. Organisms may exhibit uniform, random, or clumped distribution patterns.
Species with a uniform distribution are evenly spaced, which is often due to territorial behavior or competition for resources, as seen in penguins. On the other hand, species with random distribution do not have a predictable pattern, such as plants like dandelions whose seeds are dispersed by the wind. Lastly, species with clumped distribution are found in groups due to social structures, resource availability, or reproducing in colonies, such as the case with elephants.
Given the options provided:
- Oak trees compete for resources like light and space, and thus they might exhibit a more uniform distribution.
- Ants live in colonies and, therefore, are clumped in their distribution.
- Spiders exhibit territorial behavior and show uniform distribution to maximize hunting areas and minimize competition.
- Creosote bushes are known for uniform distribution, primarily because they release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants around them, ensuring their access to water and nutrients.
Given that ants live in social groups, they are the ones that you would not expect to be distributed according to a uniform pattern. Therefore, the correct option in the final answer is B) Ants.