If the intrinsic rate of growth of a population is zero, then the population
A) is extinct.
B) will soon be extinct.
C) is increasing in size.
D) is decreasing in size.
E) is stable in size.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An intrinsic rate of growth of zero means that the population is neither increasing nor decreasing in size. This indicates a stable population size, as birth and death rates are equal. Option A and B are incorrect because an extinct population is one that no longer exists, while a population with a zero intrinsic rate of growth still exists but is not increasing or decreasing. Option C and D are incorrect because a population with a zero intrinsic rate of growth is not increasing or decreasing, but is instead stable in size.

If the Intrinsic Rate of Growth of a Population Is