Question

multiple choice 2 points
which population scenario demonstrates exponential growth?
a population fluctuating with seasonal changes
wolves leveling off in population as prey becomes scarce
bacteria doubling in number every hour with unlimited resources
an endangered species recovering slowly after protection laws

Explanation:

• Exponential growth occurs when a population has unlimited resources.
• Bacteria doubling every hour with unlimited resources fits this as there's no limiting factor.
• A population fluctuating with seasons has external (seasonal) limiting factors.
• Wolves leveling off due to scarce prey shows a limiting factor (prey availability).
• An endangered species recovering slowly has a low growth rate, not exponential.

Answer:

C. Bacteria doubling in number every hour with unlimited resources