High population density can cause increases in competition for resources, such as food and shelter. The table shows the number of zebras living in four different regions.
| | Population of Zebras | Area ($km^2$) |
| -------- | -------------------- | ------------- |
| Region A | 1,312 | 212 |
| Region B | 630 | 314 |
| Region C | 16,400 | 625 |
| Region D | 17,800 | 902 |
In which region is competition for resources most likely the greatest?
A. Region A
B. Region B
C. Region C
D. Region D
Answer (2)
Calculate the population density for each region by dividing the number of zebras by the area.
Region A: 212 1312 ≈ 6.19 zebras per k m 2 .
Region B: 314 630 ≈ 2.01 zebras per k m 2 .
Region C: 625 16400 = 26.24 zebras per k m 2 .
Region D: 902 17800 ≈ 19.73 zebras per k m 2 .
Region C has the highest population density, so competition for resources is greatest there. The answer is C .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given a table with the population of zebras and the area of their habitat for four different regions. We need to determine which region has the highest population density, as this would indicate the greatest competition for resources.
Calculating Population Density To find the population density for each region, we will divide the population of zebras by the area of the region.
Region A Density Region A: Population density = 212 1312 ≈ 6.19 zebras per k m 2 .
Region B Density Region B: Population density = 314 630 ≈ 2.01 zebras per k m 2 .
Region C Density Region C: Population density = 625 16400 = 26.24 zebras per k m 2 .
Region D Density Region D: Population density = 902 17800 ≈ 19.73 zebras per k m 2 .
Comparing Densities and Conclusion Comparing the population densities, we find that Region C has the highest population density (26.24 zebras per k m 2 ). Therefore, competition for resources is most likely the greatest in Region C.
Examples
Understanding population density is crucial in wildlife management. For instance, if you're a conservationist studying elephants in different African reserves, calculating the population density in each reserve helps you determine where resources might be strained. If one reserve shows a significantly higher elephant density compared to others, it may indicate a need for intervention, such as relocating some elephants or increasing anti-poaching efforts to protect the existing population and their habitat.
The greatest competition for resources among zebras is likely in Region C, which has the highest population density of approximately 26.24 zebras per k m 2 . This was determined by calculating the population density for each region and comparing the results. Thus, the correct answer is C.
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