Question

this graph shows the growth of a population of bacteria over three hours.
bacterial population
select all the statements about this population that are supported by the graph.
the bacterial population’s growth rate between minutes 120 and 150 was greater than its growth rate between minutes 30 and 60.
the population demonstrated linear growth.
population growth was positive.
the population’s growth rate increased over time.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze growth rate (120 - 150 vs 30 - 60)

Growth rate is slope (change in population / change in time). Between 30 - 60 mins: Let's assume points (30, \( p_1 \)) and (60, \( p_2 \)). Between 120 - 150 mins: points (120, \( p_3 \)) and (150, \( p_4 \)). From the graph, the slope (rate) between 120 - 150 is steeper (larger population change per minute) than 30 - 60. So this statement is supported.

Step2: Check linear growth

Linear growth has constant slope (straight line). The graph's points show increasing slope (curving upwards), so it's exponential, not linear. This statement is not supported.

Step3: Check positive growth

Population increases over time (y - values rise), so growth is positive. Supported.

Step4: Check growth rate increase

As time increases, the slope (growth rate) gets steeper (e.g., between later intervals, population change per minute is larger). So growth rate increases over time. Supported.

Answer:

• The bacterial population’s growth rate between minutes 120 and 150 was greater than its growth rate between minutes 30 and 60.
• Population growth was positive.
• The population’s growth rate increased over time.