If there is an increase in a population size, this means that the birth rate, or the number of eggs hatched, is higher than the death rate. In the case of the western snowy plover, if the population is growing, it indicates that the number of chicks that survive to adulthood and contribute to the next generation is surpassing the number of adult plovers dying each year. Factors such as favorable environmental conditions, increased availability of food, and successful nesting efforts can lead to a higher hatchling survival rate, while relatively few plovers are lost to predation or other threats. Therefore, for the population to be on the rise, the reproductive success of the snowy plovers must be significantly outweighing any losses in the population.
The western snowy plover is a small bird that makes its nest in the sand on ocean and river shores. The snowy plover’s breeding season is from March to September. A plover typically lays three eggs each year. If disturbed, it will often abandon its nest. A snowy plover and its nest are shown below.
a. Compare the birth rate (number of eggs hatched) to the death rate in a population of snowy plovers that is increasing in size. (Hint - would the birth or death rate be higher and why?) (1 point) (Please write one paragraph.)
Sentence Starter: If there is an increase in a population size this means that...
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