Factors such as the age of reproductive maturity,maximum litter size,and the gestation period combine to produce an upper limit for the growth rate of any population; under what circumstances is that rate most likely to be seen?
A) when the population approaches a density that's 50 percent of its carrying capacity
B) when there are very few individuals in the population, for example, the initial colonists in a new habitat or the first few individuals of an introduced species
C) when the population reaches its carrying capacity
D) when the survivors following a population crash begin to reproduce

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When there are very few individuals in the population, there is less competition for resources, and the population can grow rapidly. As the population grows, however, competition increases, resources become scarce, and the growth rate slows down. Therefore, the growth rate is highest when there are very few individuals in the population, such as the initial colonists in a new habitat or the first few individuals of an introduced species.

Factors Such as the Age of Reproductive Maturity,maximum Litter Size,and