Question

exponential growth is most likely to occur when conditions are optimal, resources are essentially unlimited, and the number of reproductive individuals increases as the population size grows.
which of these populations is most likely to experience exponential growth?
a stand of pine trees on a tree plantation that harvests all trees and replants every 35 years
a population of deer that has been established in a forest for centuries and has several predator species
a population of carp that is released into a new habitat with few predators and plenty of food

Explanation:

To determine which population experiences exponential growth, we analyze each option:

• First option: The tree plantation harvests all trees every 35 years, so resources (space, nutrients) are not unlimited for growth, and the population is reset, so no exponential growth.
• Second option: The deer population has been established for centuries and has predators, so resources are likely limited (due to competition, predation), not optimal for exponential growth.
• Third option: The carp population is in a new habitat with few predators and plenty of food, meaning conditions are optimal and resources are essentially unlimited, meeting the criteria for exponential growth.

Answer:

a population of carp that is released into a new habitat with few predators and plenty of food