[Campbell Biology P.1239] Based on the 'Over time, a population may...' diagrams, which of th... | Practice Question

Based on the 'Over time, a population may...' diagrams, which of the following describes a population that fluctuates irregularly?

  • A: A graph showing a sigmoid curve, where the population reaches a plateau.
  • B: A graph with jagged, unpredictable ups and downs.
  • C: A graph showing consistent, wave-like patterns of increase and decrease.
  • D: A graph showing a continuous exponential increase.

Explanation

The diagrams explicitly show three types of population changes over time: 'reach a stable size', 'fluctuate irregularly', and 'or rise and fall in regular cycles'. The graph corresponding to 'fluctuate irregularly' is characterized by its unpredictable, jagged movements.