In the context of population biology, what is meant by 'biological surplus'?

• A. The portion of a population that can be removed (e.g., by predation or harvesting) without affecting the long-term stability of the population.
• B. The total biomass produced by a population in a given time period.
• C. The number of individuals in a population that exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment.
• D. The genetic variation present within a population.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'biological surplus' in population biology. It refers to the portion of a population that can be removed (e.g., by predation or harvesting) without negatively impacting the population's ability to sustain itself over the long term.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The correct definition of 'biological surplus' aligns with the idea of sustainable removal, ensuring the population remains stable.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that do not match the definition. For example, 'The total biomass produced by a population in a given time period' refers to productivity, not surplus. Similarly, 'The number of individuals in a population that exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment' describes overpopulation, not surplus. Lastly, 'The genetic variation present within a population' pertains to genetic diversity, not surplus.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct option: 'The portion of a population that can be removed (e.g., by predation or harvesting) without affecting the long-term stability of the population.' This matches the definition of biological surplus.
5. Step 5: Conclude that understanding biological surplus is essential for managing populations sustainably, ensuring that removal practices (like hunting or harvesting) do not compromise the population's ability to thrive in the future.