Problem 7 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Population viability analyses allow conservation biologists to: a. identify the source population from which an individual dispersed to a sink population. b. determine how large an area must be preserved for the protection of a threatened species. c. identify whether individuals of a threatened species are re productively mature. d. predict the minimum population size of a threatened species that is likely to survive. e. predict whether a threatened species will use habitat corridors.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is 'd'. Population viability analyses allow conservation biologists to predict the minimum population size of a threatened species that is likely to survive.

Step 1: Understand the question

The question is asking for a potential use of Population viability analyses in the field of conservation biology. We need to consider the definitions and uses of Population viability analyses to solve this problem.

Step 2: Analyze each statement

On analyzing each statement, we can see that:- 'a' deals with identifying source and sink populations, a task generally not associated with Population viability analyses.- 'b' deals with area preservation, a task that can be informed by Population viability analyses, but it's not the main purpose of it.- 'c' involves individual species' maturity, something that Population viability analyses don't typically assess.- 'd' speaks about prediction of minimum population size for survival, which falls directly under the purview of Population viability analyses.- 'e' involves prediction of habitat use, an aspect that Population viability analyses can inform, but it's not it's the main focus of it.

Step 3: Identify correct answer

After analyzing each statement, the correct choice is 'd' as it directly aligns with what Population viability analyses generally do - predict minimum viable populations.