Question

which of the following is one of the main rules of population ecology? all plants can be safely eliminated from an ecosystem. communities can always carry an unlimited number of organisms. species can go extinct in ecosystems without causing any impact. food and territory are often balanced by natural phenomena.

Explanation:

• Plants are primary producers. Eliminating all plants would disrupt the food chain (A is wrong).
• Communities have a carrying capacity (maximum number of organisms they can support). It's not unlimited (B is wrong).
• Species extinction can cause a domino - effect in the ecosystem (C is wrong).
• In population ecology, natural phenomena like predation, competition for food and territory help maintain a balance in the ecosystem. So, food and territory being balanced by natural phenomena is a valid rule in population ecology.

Answer:

D. Food and territory are often balanced by natural phenomena.