[Campbell Biology P.1241] Which of the following statements accurately describe the different... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describe the different patterns of dispersion observed in populations? Select all that apply

  • A: Clumped dispersion often occurs when environmental factors favor aggregation, such as sea stars gathering where food is abundant.
  • B: Uniform dispersion typically results from predictable spacing, often due to the absence of strong interactions between individuals.
  • C: Random dispersion is characterized by even spacing, usually maintained by antagonistic social interactions or territoriality.
  • D: Dandelions, growing from windblown seeds, are a classic example of random dispersion because their positions are largely independent of each other.
  • E: King penguins exhibiting uniform spacing are an example of this pattern being maintained by aggressive interactions between neighbors.

Explanation

Clumped dispersion involves individuals aggregated in patches, often due to favorable environmental conditions or social behaviors like group defense e.g., sea stars, wolves . Uniform dispersion features evenly spaced individuals, typically maintained by direct antagonistic interactions or territoriality e.g., king penguins, some plants . Random dispersion shows unpredictable spacing, where an individual's position is independent of others, usually in the absence of strong attractions or repulsions e.g., dandelions .