An ecologist recorded a population of 15 squirrels per square kilometer in one forest and another containing 25 squirrels per square kilometer in another forest. The ecologist was comparinga)Carrying capacityb)Growthc)Fecundityd)DensityCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Density

The correct answer is 'density'. The ecologist was comparing the population density of squirrels in the two forests. Population density is the number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume.

Explanation

Here's how the ecologist compared the population density of squirrels in the two forests:

- Population density is a measure of how crowded or dispersed a population is within a given area. In this case, the ecologist recorded 15 squirrels per square kilometer in one forest and 25 squirrels per square kilometer in another forest.

- By comparing the population densities of the two forests, the ecologist can determine how closely packed the squirrels are in each forest. A higher population density indicates a higher number of individuals living in a given area.

- Population density can have important implications for the health and dynamics of a population. For example, a high population density may lead to increased competition for resources such as food, water, and shelter, which can affect the overall health and survival of the population.

- By comparing the population densities of squirrels in the two forests, the ecologist can gain insights into the distribution and abundance of the species in each habitat. This information can help inform conservation efforts and management strategies for the squirrel populations in the two forests.

In conclusion, the ecologist was comparing the population density of squirrels in the two forests to better understand the distribution and abundance of the species in each habitat.

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