Question

aphid population
select all the statements about this population that are supported by the graph.
the aphid population growth rate did not change as the population approached the plants carrying capacity per leaf.
when the aphid population reached the plants carrying capacity per leaf, its growth rate was near zero.
once the aphid population reached the plants carrying capacity per leaf, most of the individuals died.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Growth Rate Change

The graph shows the aphid population over time. Initially, the population grows rapidly (exponential phase), but as it approaches carrying capacity (around day 16 - 22), the growth slows. So the first statement is incorrect because the growth rate does change (decreases) as it approaches carrying capacity.

Step2: Analyze Growth Rate at Carrying Capacity

When the population reaches carrying capacity (the horizontal part of the graph, around 400 per leaf), the population size stabilizes. A stable population means the growth rate (birth rate - death rate) is near zero, so this statement is supported.

Step3: Analyze Post - Carrying Capacity Mortality

The graph shows the population stabilizes, not that most individuals died. There's no sharp decline after reaching carrying capacity; it remains relatively constant. So this statement is not supported.

Answer:

The statement "When the aphid population reached the plant's carrying capacity per leaf, its growth rate was near zero." is supported. (Note: The other two statements are incorrect. The first is wrong because growth rate decreases as carrying capacity is approached, and the third is wrong as the population stabilizes, not has mass mortality.)