Refer to the paragraph below.
The African wild dog is highly endangered as a result of habitat fragmentation, hunting pressure, and contagious diseases contracted from domestic dogs as humans encroach on the wild dogs' habitat.Hunting, breeding, and pup and adult survival depend on a large pack size, in which individuals cooperate and help one another.This is particularly important because the dogs are relatively small.Historically, the average pack size was about 60 animals; today it ranges from 10 to 20.

According to the Allee effect, what is the likely effect on the population of this much smaller pack size?

Question

Refer to the paragraph below. 
The African wild dog is highly endangered as a result of habitat fragmentation, hunting pressure, and contagious diseases contracted from domestic dogs as humans encroach on the wild dogs' habitat.Hunting, breeding, and pup and adult survival depend on a large pack size, in which individuals cooperate and help one another.This is particularly important because the dogs are relatively small.Historically, the average pack size was about 60 animals; today it ranges from 10 to 20.

According to the Allee effect, what is the likely effect on the population of this much smaller pack size?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Allee effect suggests that as pack size decreases, cooperation and social behavior among individuals may also decrease, which can negatively impact hunting and reproductive success, leading to a decline in population size. Therefore, a smaller pack size can be expected to have a negative effect on the population of the African wild dog. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not take into account the negative consequences of a smaller pack size on cooperation and survival. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that smaller packs will fit into smaller areas, which is not a known constraint for the African wild dog population.

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