QUESTION 8 (3 marks)
In an experiment studying the population dynamics of the house fly, two adult house flies were placed in a fly cage with a limited food supply. Population data was collected, as summarised in the table.
Generation | Number of eggs | Number of larvae | Number of pupae | Number of adults |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
2 | 120 | 110 | 95 | 88 |
3 | 250 | 225 | 213 | 210 |
4 | 500 | 475 | 462 | 12 |
5 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Determine the population growth model exhibited by the house fly. Explain your reasoning.
QCAA guide · typeset solution
QCAA sample response and mark allocation
8 | Initially there is a rapid increase in growth. This is followed by a sudden drop in population numbers. This pattern is typical for J-curve population growth. | • states initial rapid population increase [1 mark] • states sudden population drop [1 mark] • states J-curve [1 mark] | For J-curve, accept boom and bust or exponential growth. |
QCAA sample response and marking criteria reproduced from the official guide.
Compare your working with the guide above.