Question

question 8 of 10
a scientist is growing a population of bacteria in a petri dish. the dish is set up with a growth medium and bacteria and then left alone. no additional nutrients are added, and there is no way for dead organisms to be recycled back into the ecosystem. the graph represents the population of bacteria in the first few days after being added to the dish.

graph with population on y - axis and time on x - axis, shows a curve that levels off

suppose that after the population reaches carrying capacity, an enzyme is added to break down dead organisms and supply the population with additional nutrients. what will happen to the graphed line?
a. the graphed line will immediately decrease because there has been an increase in the availability of a limiting factor.
b. the graphed line will begin to increase again because the population is no longer limited by a lack of nutrients.
c. the graphed line will immediately decrease because the bacteria have already reached carrying capacity.
d. the graphed line will remain stable because predators have not been added to limit the bacterial population.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the limiting factor

Initially, lack of nutrients limits growth.

Step2: Analyze enzyme - addition effect

Enzyme breaks down dead organisms, provides nutrients.

Step3: Determine population - growth change

With more nutrients, population can grow again.

Answer:

B. The graphed line will begin to increase again because the population is no longer limited by a lack of nutrients.