Question

under ideal circumstances in an environment, a population will grow exponentially. however, in studies of actual populations in various environments, scientists have found that the exponential growth rate a population may experience for a while will slow down and may eventually level off at a constant rate. this is called logistic growth. which factor would most likely cause the growth rate of a population to shift from exponential to logistic growth? a. predators that hunt the population are eliminated due to disease. b. the birth rate in the population exceeds the death rate in the population. c. the population consumes food resources as fast as they can be produced. d. a competing population migrates to another area, leaving an excess of food and space.

Explanation:

Exponential growth occurs when resources are unlimited. Logistic growth happens when resources become limiting. When a population consumes food resources as fast as they are produced, resources become a limiting factor, causing the shift from exponential to logistic growth. Option A and D increase resources or remove limiting factors which favor exponential growth. Option B just describes a situation in exponential - growth phase where population is increasing.

Answer:

C. The population consumes food resources as fast as they can be produced.