During phase "3" in the figure above,the population growth slows and then levels off because ____.
A)population growth becomes exponential
B)resources are virtually unlimited
C)density dependent factors stop playing an important role
D)density independent factors become operational
E)the carrying capacity has been reached

Question

During phase "3" in the figure above,the population growth slows and then levels off because ____.
A)population growth becomes exponential 
B)resources are virtually unlimited 
C)density dependent factors stop playing an important role 
D)density independent factors become operational 
E)the carrying capacity has been reached

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During phase "3," the population growth slows and then levels off because the carrying capacity has been reached. As the population approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, resources become limited, which causes increased competition for resources such as food, water, and shelter. This competition leads to decreased reproduction rates and increased mortality rates, resulting in a stable population size at or near the carrying capacity. Therefore, option E is the correct answer.

During Phase "3" in the Figure Above,the Population Growth Slows