Starting from a Single Individual, What Is the Size of a Population

question 12

Multiple Choice

Starting from a single individual, what is the size of a population of bacteria at the end of a 2-hour time period if they reproduce by binary fission every 20 minutes? (Assume unlimited resources and no mortality.)

• A) 16
• B) 32
• C) 64
• D) 128

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Definitions:

Maximum Number

The highest value or quantity that is achievable or allowed in a given set or range of values.

Vertical Intercept

The point at which a curve hits the vertical axis; it shows the value of the y-variable when the value of the x-variable is zero.

X-variable

A variable representing an unknown or unspecified quantity in mathematical functions or equations.

Y-variable

In a coordinate system, it represents the dependent variable, whose value depends on that of another variable (usually the x-variable).