Population Growth Is Affected Differently in Dense Versus Sparse Populations

Population growth is affected differently in dense versus sparse populations. When female bats raise their offspring, they form "maternity colonies" that are densely populated. In these populations, the female bats are so tightly packed together in one area that their bodies touch one another. Mites, a common parasite of bats, thrive in this type of environment because they can easily move from host to host. What might you predict would happen to the mite infection rate once the maternity colonies naturally break apart? The parasite population will ________.

A) demonstrate declined growth because greater distance between bats makes transmission of parasites more difficult
B) demonstrate exponential growth because greater distance between bats makes transmission of parasites more difficult
C) fluctuate between times of high growth rate and then low growth rate because individual parasites evolve to have an equilibrial life history
D) maintain a slow but steady growth rate because individual parasites will evolve feeding strategies that allow them to feed longer on individual bats