USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

What would you conclude about the relationship between birth and death rates in a closed population?

1. Population will always decline

2. Population dynamics depend on r

3. Birth rates can outpace death rates

4. Both rates are always equal

The correct answer is: Population dynamics depend on r

In a closed population, the relationship between birth rates and death rates significantly influences population dynamics. The lettered choice indicates the general importance of "r," which represents the intrinsic rate of increase of a population. This rate is a crucial factor that indicates whether a population will grow, shrink, or remain stable. When birth rates exceed death rates, the intrinsic growth rate (r) becomes positive, leading to population growth. Conversely, if death rates surpass birth rates, r becomes negative, resulting in population decline. If the two rates are equal, the population size stabilizes, leading to zero population growth. Thus, the dynamics of the population rely on the balance of these rates, which can fluctuate due to various factors such as environmental conditions, resource availability, and social structures. Therefore, understanding r helps in predicting the future trend of a population in terms of increase, decline, or stability, making it the most comprehensive option among the choices presented.