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

a population of deer that has been established in a forest for centuries and
has several predator species

a stand of pine trees on a tree plantation that harvests all trees and replants
every 35 years

Explanation:

To determine which population experiences exponential growth, we use the given conditions: optimal conditions, unlimited resources, and increasing reproductive individuals with population growth.

• For the carp population: Released into a new habitat with few predators (reduced mortality) and plenty of food (unlimited resources), so conditions are optimal for growth.
• For the deer population: Established for centuries with several predators (limiting factor, not optimal), so not exponential growth.
• For the pine trees: Harvested every 35 years (human intervention limits growth), so not exponential growth.

Thus, the carp population meets the criteria.

Answer:

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