Consider two forests: one is an undisturbed old-growth forest, while the other has recently been logged. In which forest are species likely to experience exponential growth, and why?
A) Old growth, because of stable conditions that would favor exponential growth of all species in the forest.
B) Old growth, because each of the species is well established and can produce many offspring.
C) Logged, because the disturbed forest affords more resources for increased specific populations to grow.
D) Logged, because the various populations are stimulated to a higher reproductive potential.
E) Exponential growth is equally probable in old-growth and logged forests.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a forest is logged, it creates an open space that allows more sunlight to reach the ground, and this will trigger rapid growth of pioneer species and a surge in populations of certain species. This is because there are more resources available to facilitate increased growth and reproduction. In an old-growth forest, however, there may be stable conditions that favor the persistence of established species, but there are fewer resources available to support large numbers of new individuals. Thus, the logged forest is more likely to experience exponential growth of some species.

Consider Two Forests: One Is an Undisturbed Old-Growth Forest, While