Under ideal conditions, the birth rate per individual in a population of isopods is 0.12 offspring per day, and the death rate per individual is 0.04 offspring per day. If there are 7,000 individuals in the population, its biotic potential (per day) is
A)8.
B)28.
C)56.
D) 70
E)84.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biotic potential is defined as the maximum rate at which a population can increase under ideal conditions. It is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate per individual and multiplying by the number of individuals in the population.

Biotic potential per day = (birth rate - death rate) x population size
Biotic potential per day = (0.12 - 0.04) x 7,000 = 0.08 x 7,000 = 560

Therefore, the biotic potential per day for this population is 560, which is closest to option C) 56.

Under Ideal Conditions, the Birth Rate Per Individual in a Population