In introductory population ecology, which statement correctly differentiates between population density and population distribution?

• A. Population density measures the rate of change in population size over time, while population distribution measures carrying capacity.
• B. Population density is the total number of species in a community, while population distribution is the proportion of each species present.
• C. Population density describes the spatial arrangement of individuals, while population distribution is the number of individuals per unit area or volume.
• D. Population density is the number of individuals per unit area or volume, while population distribution describes the spatial arrangement of individuals within that area.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of population density. Population density refers to the number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume. It quantifies how crowded or sparse a population is in a given space.
2. Step 2: Understand the definition of population distribution. Population distribution describes how individuals are spaced or arranged within the area they occupy. This can be clumped, uniform, or random.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the two concepts by focusing on what each measures: population density is a numerical measure (individuals per unit area), while population distribution is a pattern or arrangement of those individuals in space.
4. Step 4: Review the incorrect options by identifying if they confuse population density with growth rate, species diversity, or carrying capacity, which are different ecological concepts.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct distinction is that population density measures the number of individuals per unit area or volume, and population distribution describes the spatial arrangement of those individuals.