Scientists have observed the exponential growth of lionfish in the Caribbean Sea. Which of these predictions about the future of the lionfish population is the most likely to occur?

Question

(A) The lionfish population will continue growing exponentially indefinitely.

(B) A limiting factor will cause the growth of the lionfish population to slow down, forming a pattern of logistic growth.

(C) A limiting factor will cause the lionfish population to decline rapidly, and eventually decrease to near zero.

(D) The lionfish population will enter a cycle of increasing and decreasing numbers, typical of many predators and prey.

Answer 1

The most likely prediction about the future of the lionfish population in the Caribbean Sea is:

(B) A limiting factor will cause the growth of the lionfish population to slow down, forming a pattern of logistic growth.

Lionfish are an invasive species and have been rapidly increasing in population due to a lack of natural predators in the Caribbean. However, as their population grows, factors such as competition for resources, habitat availability, disease, and human intervention (like targeted removal efforts) are likely to limit further growth. This would lead to a stabilization of their population at an equilibrium level, characteristic of logistic growth rather than exponential growth indefinitely.