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Multiple Choice
A certain species of seal breeds and rears its young on rocky beaches. Competition for breeding sites is fierce, and males that do not secure a site will not reproduce. This behavior is an example of which mechanism of density-dependent population regulation?
A
Competition for resources
B
Toxic wastes
C
Intrinsic factors
D
Predation
E
Territoriality
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of density-dependent population regulation, which refers to factors that affect population size in relation to the population density.
Identify the mechanism of territoriality, which is a form of competition where individuals defend a specific area to secure resources necessary for survival and reproduction.
Recognize that in the context of the seal species, males compete for breeding sites on rocky beaches, which is a limited resource. This competition is a direct example of territoriality.
Consider how territoriality impacts population regulation: only males that secure a territory can reproduce, thus controlling the population size based on available breeding sites.
Conclude that territoriality is a mechanism of density-dependent regulation because it directly influences reproductive success based on the density of individuals competing for limited space.