A.

*done on graph sheet*

B. There is a general growth in the population of this endangered species from 2000-2008,
proceeded by a decrease in 2009. Phase 1, or the lag phase, on the graph, is from 2000 to 2002.
This is where the population experienced a slow growth in size from 250 to 400. This slow
growth is most likely due to the species already being low in number when brought into the
protected area, which means that there are few reproducing individuals. This slows down the
reproduction rate. Phase 2 is seen to last from 2002 to 2005. This is where the population
experienced a more rapid growth in size from 400 individuals to 650. Here, the species is in the
presence of ideal environmental conditions and adequate resources, so it can multiply and grow
at its biotic potential (maximum rate). With a growth in population also comes the increase in
competition for resources and space. Eventually, the population growth rate slows down, and
the curve becomes less steep. This is seen in phase 3, between 2005 and 2006. The population
growth rate then becomes stationary and constant from 2006 to 2008 (phase 4). Here, the
carrying capacity is reached. This is the maximum number of individuals an environment can
sustainably support, and that number is estimated to be 690. At phase 5, the population
experiences a fall in number from 690 individuals to 640 from 2008 to 2009. Here, the death rate
exceeds the birth rate. This can be due to a change in environmental factors.

C. Reasons for the observed trend in the population of this species:

 Little predation
The protected area serves to protect endangered species. Therefore, it consists of
factors that would generally help increase the population size of the endangered
species. Having absolutely no predators in the area means that the specie is no
longer threatened and preyed upon. The specie is not viewed as food for another
specie, and so this is not a factor that decreases the population size, but rather
increases it.
 Adequate habitat space
The protected area must be large enough to sustain a larger number of organisms.
This contributes to the population growth of the specie. Designating a small amount
of space for a protected area would the growth of the population of the species.
 Lack of interspecific competition
Interspecific competition includes the competition for resources with the
endangered species and other species. The lack of this type of competition can help
the population size grow as the organism does not have to compete with others for
such things for their survival. However, intraspecific competition still exists, and may
contribute to population decrease (as seen in phase 5). This is because all the
organisms of the same species require and compete for the same resources.
 Stable Abiotic conditions
The protected area provides the species with the specific abiotic conditions needed
for its proper growth. It therefore contributes to an increase in population.
Normally, these conditions are maintained by the establishers of the protected area,
as the main objective of the area is to increase the population of the species (and
providing the right conditions is essential to do so).
 Adequate food/water resources
The protected area must have the specific food and water resources needed by
organism in the right amounts. Normally, this amount is plentiful. This ensures the
survival of the species and helps the population size grow.
D. The estimated carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the species is 690 individuals.