Question

part b which of these would best explain why the microbial population begins to decrease after a period of time? a organisms moved away to find new mates b extra food was introduced into the area c the graph actually never shows the population decreasing d organisms began to die as the population was larger than could be supported by the limiting factors

Explanation:

• Option A: Moving away to find new mates would not directly cause a population decrease.
• Option B: Extra food would likely support a larger population, not cause a decrease.
• Option C: This is incorrect as the question assumes the population does decrease.
• Option D: When a population exceeds the carrying capacity (what can be supported by limiting factors like food, space, etc.), organisms die, which explains the population decrease.

Answer:

D. organisms began to die as the population was larger than could be supported by the limiting factors