In ecology, how do you calculate population density per square mile for a study area when you know the total number of individuals counted and the area surveyed?

• A. Divide the area surveyed in square miles by the total number of individuals (square miles per individual).
• B. Add the total number of individuals to the area surveyed in square miles.
• C. Divide the total number of individuals by the area surveyed in square miles (individuals per square mile).
• D. Multiply the total number of individuals by the area surveyed in square miles.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that population density is a measure of how many individuals of a species are found in a specific unit area, often expressed as individuals per square mile.
2. Identify the total number of individuals counted in the study area; this is your numerator in the calculation.
3. Identify the total area surveyed in square miles; this will be your denominator.
4. Use the formula for population density: \(\text{Population Density} = \frac{\text{Total Number of Individuals}}{\text{Area Surveyed in Square Miles}}\).
5. Perform the division of the total number of individuals by the area surveyed to find the population density expressed as individuals per square mile.