Answer:
The growth and survival of individual organisms can be greatly affected by changes in resource availability. If resources become scarce or limited, the growth and survival of organisms can be negatively impacted. On the other hand, if resources become abundant, organisms may experience increased growth and survival.
Here are some ways that decreased or increased resource availability can affect the growth and survival of individual organisms:
Decreased Resource Availability:
Reduced growth: When resources are limited, organisms may grow more slowly or not at all. This can lead to smaller body size and reduced fitness.
Reduced reproduction: Limited resources may also reduce an organism's ability to produce offspring, as it may not have the energy or resources to allocate towards reproduction.
Increased competition: As resources become scarce, organisms may need to compete more intensely for access to those resources. This can lead to increased stress and decreased survival.
Increased predation: When resources are scarce, predators may become more attracted to areas where prey are concentrated, leading to increased predation pressure.
Increased Resource Availability:
Increased growth: When resources are abundant, organisms may grow more quickly and larger, which can increase fitness and survival.
Increased reproduction: Abundant resources can also increase an organism's ability to reproduce, as it may have more energy and resources to allocate towards reproduction.
Reduced competition: With abundant resources, competition for those resources may be reduced, which can decrease stress and increase survival.
Reduced predation: When resources are abundant, prey may be more widely distributed, making it more difficult for predators to find and catch them.
Overall, resource availability is a key factor in determining the growth and survival of individual organisms, and can greatly impact their ability to thrive in their environment.
Step-by-step explanation: