Question

4
select all the correct answers.

a flood hit an area, destroying much of the surrounding ecosystem. one animal species survived the flood, but all of its competitors were eliminated. despite the reduced competition and an abundance of other resources, there was no substantial growth recorded in the population of the surviving species. what are the plausible reasons for this lack of population growth?

□ changes in abiotic factors
□ new competition from nonnative animals displaced by the flood
□ a decrease in predators
□ an increase in available living space
□ lack of available mates after the flood

Explanation:

1. Changes in abiotic factors: A flood can alter abiotic conditions (like water quality, soil composition, or temperature) to levels that are still tolerable for survival but not ideal for reproduction or population growth, limiting population expansion.
2. New competition from nonnative animals displaced by the flood: The flood could move nonnative species into the area, creating new competition for resources that limits the surviving species' population growth, even if local competitors were eliminated.
3. Lack of available mates after the flood: If the flood drastically reduced the number of individuals in the surviving species, there may be too few potential mates to support significant population growth, even with abundant resources.

Options like decreased predators or increased living space would typically promote population growth, so they are not plausible reasons for the lack of growth.

Answer:

• changes in abiotic factors
• new competition from nonnative animals displaced by the flood
• lack of available mates after the flood