contestada

Harvey is studying the turtles that live in a pond. His knowledge of ecology will be MOST USEFUL for explaining which of these observations of the turtles?

A. The carapace (shell) of the turtle appears to be an extension of its spine.
B. A female turtle lays a clutch of eggs along the shore of the lake, and not in the water.
C. One summer, the size of the turtle population suddenly increases, but then gradually decreases.
D. A turtle may remain underwater for several minutes, but then surfaces for at least a brief moment.

Respuesta :

Answer: C. One summer, the size of the turtle population suddenly increases, but then gradually decreases.

Explanation:

Among the given observations, Harvey's knowledge of ecology would be most useful for explaining:

C. One summer, the size of the turtle population suddenly increases, but then gradually decreases.

Understanding the dynamics of population growth and decline, factors influencing reproduction and mortality rates, availability of resources, and interactions with other species in the ecosystem are all central concepts in ecology. Harvey's knowledge of ecology would provide insights into the reasons behind the fluctuations in the turtle population observed over time, such as changes in food availability, predation pressure, habitat alterations, or other environmental factors impacting the turtles' population dynamics.