Use the Following Abstract from Theoretical Population Biology to Answer

question 14

Multiple Choice

Use the following abstract from Theoretical Population Biology to answer the corresponding questions) .
Abstract:
We derive measures for assessing the value of an individual habitat fragment for the dynamics and persistence of a metapopu living in a network of many fragments. We demonstrate that the most appropriate measure of fragment value depends on the question asked. Specifically, we analyse four alternative measures: the contribution of a fragment to the metapopulation capa the network, to the equilibrium metapopulation size, to the expected time to metapopulation extinction and the long- term contribution of a fragment to colonization events in the network. The latter measure is comparable to density- dependent measures in general matrix population theory, though some differences are introduced by the fact that "density dependence" is spatially localized in the metapopulation context. We show that the value of a fragment depends not only on the properties of the landscape but also on the properties of the species. Most importantly, variation in fragment values between the habitat fragments is greatest in the case of rare species that occur close to the extinction threshold, as these species are likely to be restricted to the most favorable parts of the landscape. We expect that the measures of habitat fragment described and analysed here have applications in landscape ecology and in conservation biology.
-Based on the information in the abstract, which of the following statements is the most correct?

• A) If long- term contribution to colonization of a fragment increases, the metapopulation would destabilize.
• B) If long- term contribution to colonization of a fragment increases, the metapopulation would have more fragments.
• C) If long- term contribution to colonization of a fragment increases, the metapopulation would grow exponentially.
• D) If long- term contribution to colonization of a fragment decreases, the metapopulation would disappear.
• E) If long- term contribution to colonization of a fragment decreases, the metapopulation would stabilize.

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Definitions:

Independent Variable

In experimental and research settings, the variable that is manipulated to observe its effects on a dependent variable.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study establishes a trustworthy cause-and-effect relationship between a treatment and an outcome.

Experimental Methods

A research methodology in psychology and other sciences involving the manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect relationships.

Biases

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion.