Question

a student studies the data for the population size of birds in an area over time. the student claims that the birds never exceeded their carrying capacity and displays this graph in support of the claim. which statements below are true about the students claim? you may select more than one statement.
a the claim is neither supported nor refuted by the data.
b the claim is true because the birds experienced periods of exponential growth.
c the claim is false because the population decreases every time overshoot occurs.
d the claim is true because the birds are at a stable equilibrium with the environment.
e the claim is false because the population fluctuates above and below the carrying capacity.

Explanation:

Carrying - capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain. If the population fluctuates above and below a certain level, it indicates over - shooting the carrying capacity. Exponential growth does not mean the carrying capacity has not been exceeded. Stable equilibrium does not imply non - exceeding of carrying capacity. The data shows population fluctuations above and below a level, suggesting over - shooting.

Answer:

E. The claim is false because the population fluctuates above and below the carrying capacity.