In terms of relative size, what is the most likely relationship between populations, metapopulations, and geographic ranges of a single species of organism?
A) Geographic range metapopulation population
B) Geographic range population metapopulation
C) Metapopulation population geographic range
D) Metapopulation geographic range population
E) Population metapopulation geographic range

Question

In terms of relative size, what is the most likely relationship between populations, metapopulations, and geographic ranges of a single species of organism?
A) Geographic range > metapopulation > population
B) Geographic range > population > metapopulation
C) Metapopulation > population > geographic range
D) Metapopulation > geographic range > population
E) Population > metapopulation > geographic range

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A geographic range is the total area in which a species is found, which encompasses all the habitats where it lives. A metapopulation is a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact at some level (e.g., by individuals moving between populations), and a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area. Therefore, the geographic range is generally the largest, encompassing multiple metapopulations, which in turn encompass multiple populations.

In Terms of Relative Size, What Is the Most Likely