Question

select the correct answer.
which term do biologists use to describe the number of individuals a species requires to reproduce successfully and prevent it from going extinct?
a. carrying capacity
b. population density
c. minimal viable population
d. survivability curve

Explanation:

• Carrying capacity (A): Refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can support, not the minimum for reproduction and avoiding extinction.
• Population density (B): Is the number of individuals per unit area, not related to the minimum number for species survival and reproduction.
• Minimal viable population (C): This is the smallest number of individuals needed for a species to reproduce successfully and prevent extinction.
• Survivability curve (D): Shows the proportion of individuals surviving at different ages, not about the number for reproduction and extinction prevention.

Answer:

C. minimal viable population