The population of adult frogs in a wetlands ecosystem has increased to 1000 individuals, which is its carrying capacity. The frogs eat flies and other small animals, and they are prey for raccoons, snakes, and a variety of large birds.

Question

Which most likely would happen if an additional 200 adult frogs immigrated to the ecosystem?
A. The carrying capacity for frogs in the ecosystem would increase by 200 frogs.
B. The carrying capacity for frog predators in the ecosystem would increase by 200 individuals.
C. The frog population would experience a pattern of exponential growth.
D. About 200 adult frogs would die because of lack of resources, or by predation.

Answer 1

D. About 200 adult frogs would die because of lack of resources, or by predation.

When the frog population exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment (in this case, 1000 individuals), the additional individuals would face increased competition for limited resources such as food and space. This could lead to increased mortality rates due to starvation or greater predation pressure, as the predators would have more available prey. Consequently, some of the additional frogs would likely die, bringing the population back down to the carrying capacity.