[Campbell Biology P.1232] According to the flowchart in Figure 52.18, "Flowchart of factors l... | Practice Question

According to the flowchart in Figure 52.18, "Flowchart of factors limiting geographic distribution," if an ecologist determines that dispersal does NOT limit a species' distribution, what would be the next logical step in their investigation of why the species is absent from an area?

  • A: Directly assess the impact of abiotic factors such as temperature and light.
  • B: Investigate whether biotic factors like predation, parasitism, or disease limit its distribution.
  • C: Conclude that the area is inaccessible or that there hasn't been sufficient time for the species to colonize.
  • D: Determine the chemical factors such as water salinity or soil nutrients.

Explanation

The flowchart in Figure 52.18 illustrates a sequential process. If dispersal does not limit distribution the 'No' branch from 'Does dispersal limit its distribution?' , the next step is to consider biotic factors 'Do biotic factors other species limit its distribution?' . Only if biotic factors also do not limit distribution would the investigation move on to abiotic factors.