Question

Determine whether the population in each scenario exhibits density independence, negative density dependence, or delayed density dependence. A fire sweeps through a pine forest, killing most of the new pine seedlings and injuring some of the mature trees. What type of population response is observed in this scenario?

1) Density independence
2) Negative density dependence
3) Delayed density dependence

Answer 1

The response of the pine forest to the fire, which affects seedlings and mature trees alike, is an example of a density-independent factor, meaning the fire impacts the population regardless of its density.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario described, where a fire sweeps through a pine forest, affecting both new seedlings and mature trees, we are observing an example of a density-independent factor at work. Density-independent factors influence mortality in a population regardless of the population's density.

This means that a fire will cause damage to the forest no matter how many pine seedlings or mature trees are present; its impact does not change with the number of individuals in the population. In the case of the pine forest, the fire kills most of the new pine seedlings and injures some of the mature trees. This reduces the overall population density and allows the remaining individuals to have access to more resources and space, which can lead to increased growth and reproduction.