Population ecologists follow the fate of same-age cohorts to a. determine a population's carrying capacity. b. determine the birth rate and death rate of each group in a population. c. determine if a population is regulated by density-dependent processes. d. determine the factors that affect the size of a population.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key term in the question: same-age cohorts. Cohorts refer to groups of individuals of the same age within a population, which are studied to track various population parameters over time.
2. Understand the purpose of following same-age cohorts: By studying these groups, ecologists can gather data on specific age groups within a population, observing how birth rates, death rates, and other factors change as the cohort ages.
3. Analyze the options given: Option (b) mentions determining the birth rate and death rate of each group in a population, which directly relates to tracking changes within cohorts over time.
4. Eliminate other options: Options (a), (c), and (d) do not specifically relate to the tracking of same-age groups or cohorts. They are more general population ecology considerations.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The best answer is (b) determine the birth rate and death rate of each group in a population, as it directly involves studying changes within cohorts, which is the essence of following same-age cohorts.

Key Concepts

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support. It is influenced by resource availability, habitat space, and environmental conditions. Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for population ecologists as it helps predict population growth and stability over time.

Cohort Analysis

Cohort analysis involves studying a group of individuals of the same age within a population to track their survival and reproduction over time. This method allows ecologists to assess birth and death rates, which are essential for understanding population dynamics. By analyzing cohorts, researchers can identify trends and make predictions about future population changes.

Density-Dependent Regulation

Density-dependent regulation refers to the processes that affect population growth based on the population's density. Factors such as competition for resources, predation, and disease become more significant as population density increases, often leading to decreased birth rates and increased death rates. Recognizing these processes is vital for ecologists to understand how populations stabilize or decline in response to environmental pressures.