Question

Two important characteristics for estimating any population of animals and plants are \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) and \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) of individuals. 
 

• A. Density, dispersion
• B. Density, size
• C. Density, distribution
• D. Dispersion, distribution

Hint:

When an ecologist goes to the field to study a new population, the first two questions they try to answer are "How many are there?" (Size) and "How crowded are they?" (Density). These are the foundational estimates.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the two most fundamental quantitative characteristics that are estimated when studying a population.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ecologists study several characteristics of populations, but the most primary estimations are:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Population size (N): The total number of individuals in the population. This is a fundamental measure of the population's abundance. Methods like mark-recapture are used to estimate this. } \\ \bullet & \text{Population density: The number of individuals per unit of area or volume. This measures how crowded the population is and is crucial for understanding interactions and resource use. Methods like quadrat sampling are used to estimate this. } \\ \end{array}\] While distribution (geographic range) and dispersion (spatial pattern) are also very important characteristics, the core quantitative estimations that form the basis of many ecological studies are the population's size and its density.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Two important characteristics for estimating any population of animals and plants are density and size of individuals.