The Factors Limiting Population Sizes on the Galapagos Islands
What factors can limit population sizes on the Galapagos Islands?
Choose the factors that can limit population sizes on the Galapagos Islands from the following options:
- Limited resources
- Space constraints
- Competition
- Predation
- Disease
- Human impact via tourism and invasive species
- Genetic diversity
Answer:
Population sizes on the Galapagos Islands are limited by factors including limited resources, space constraints, competition, predation, disease, and human impact via tourism and invasive species. Genetic diversity also plays a crucial role in species adaptability and survival in the face of ecological changes.
The factors that can limit population sizes on the Galapagos Islands relate to the unique characteristics of these remote, volcanic islands. Due to their isolation, factors such as limited resources, restricted space, predation, disease, and competition among species can all influence population sizes. Human activities such as tourism and the introduction of invasive species can also have significant impacts.
For example, Genus A, with limited genetic diversity, would be less adaptable to a changed ecosystem after a volcanic explosion compared to Genus B, which has a wide variety of genetic traits and therefore a higher chance of survival. Additionally, the movement of Galápagos medium ground finches between islands may lead to changes in allele frequencies through gene flow, which could affect population genetics and ultimately the capacity of populations to adapt to environmental changes.