A Biologist Is Developing Models to Describe the Population Dynamics

question 40

Multiple Choice

A biologist is developing models to describe the population dynamics of the species he studies. Four models are listed. Each model is based on the logistic model, with r equal to 1 and K equal to 100. The initial population size is given by N₀. In which of his models of population growth would the population be most likely to go extinct?

• A) deterministic model, N₀ = 5
• B) stochastic model, N₀ = 10
• C) deterministic model, N₀ = 100
• D) stochastic model, N₀ = 150

---

Definitions:

Decreasing Returns

A condition in economics where adding more input (like labor or capital) leads to progressively smaller increases in output.

Long-Run

A term referring to a period of time in economics during which all factors of production and costs are variable.

Short-Run

A period where at least one factor of production is fixed, and firms can only adjust the variable factors.

Diminishing Marginal Returns

A principle stating that as an investment in a particular area increases, the rate of profit from that investment, after a certain point, starts to decrease.