Which of the following conditions would most likely support exponential growth in a population?

• A. Strong competition and frequent natural disasters
• B. Limited food supply and high disease prevalence
• C. Carrying capacity has been reached
• D. Unlimited resources and absence of predation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of exponential growth: Exponential growth occurs when a population increases at a constant rate over time, resulting in a rapid rise in population size. This typically happens under ideal conditions where resources are abundant and limiting factors are absent.
2. Identify the factors that support exponential growth: Exponential growth is supported by unlimited resources, such as food, water, and space, as well as the absence of limiting factors like predation, disease, or competition.
3. Analyze the given conditions: Evaluate each condition provided in the problem to determine whether it supports exponential growth. For example, strong competition and frequent natural disasters would limit population growth, while limited food supply and high disease prevalence would also restrict growth.
4. Understand carrying capacity: Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain due to limited resources. Once carrying capacity is reached, population growth slows or stabilizes, making exponential growth impossible.
5. Conclude that the correct condition for exponential growth is 'Unlimited resources and absence of predation,' as these factors remove constraints on population growth, allowing it to increase rapidly.