A Small Group of Leaf-Feeding Beetles Locates a Field of Snap

question 31

Multiple Choice

A small group of leaf-feeding beetles locates a field of snap beans, one of the preferred plants for this species. At first, the population grows rapidly in the snap bean field, but as the beetle population grows larger, predators, such as spiders and birds, discover the beetles and start to remove individuals from the population. Competition for mates, food, and oviposition (egg-laying) sites intensifies for the individuals in the beetle population as population density increases. A fungal disease also starts to kill many of the beetles. The population no longer grows rapidly but levels off. How would you describe the factors limiting the beetle population?

• A) The factors are density-independent factors.
• B) The factors are density-dependent factors.
• C) The factors act on the population as the population density increases.
• D) Both A and C describe these factors.
• E) Both B and C describe these factors.

---

Definitions:

Actual Return

The tangible profit or loss realized from an investment over a specific period of time.

Expected Return

The anticipated return on an investment, taking into account both the probability of gains and losses.

Unanticipated Information

Information that was not expected or predicted, often causing significant adjustments in financial markets or investment strategies.

Risk-Free Rate

The theoretical rate of return of an investment with no risk of financial loss, typically associated with government bonds.