Question

select the correct answer.
which species is likely to exhibit random dispersion?
a. rushes that grow on the edges of bodies of water
b. orchid plants that grow on the branches of a particular tree species
c. squirrels that actively defend their territory against other squirrels
d. frogs that live along the edges of ponds and streams
e. sweetgum, a tree species with wind - dispersed seeds

Explanation:

To determine which species exhibits random dispersion, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Rushes at water edges have a clumped or uniform dispersion due to water availability, not random.
• Option B: Orchids on specific tree branches are likely clumped (dependent on the tree), not random.
• Option C: Squirrels defending territory show uniform dispersion (spacing to avoid others), not random.
• Option D: Frogs at pond edges have clumped dispersion (near water), not random.
• Option E: Sweetgum with wind - dispersed seeds: Wind can carry seeds randomly, leading to random dispersion as seeds land without a predictable pattern (unlike the other options with environmental or behavioral constraints causing non - random dispersion).

Answer:

E. sweetgum, a tree species with wind - dispersed seeds