A laboratory investigation examined the growth rate of fruit flies in culture jars over time. The fruit flies were grown in an artificial medium containing nutrients and moisture. They were enclosed in a culture jar of a defined size. Initially, there were ten fruit flies in the experiment. The population reached 75 over the course of four weeks. However, after eight weeks, the population size leveled off and then decreased. Survival of fruit fly larvae declined after eight weeks. Which hypotheses are supported by the information in this scenario? Select the THREE that apply.

Question

A laboratory investigation examined the growth rate of fruit flies in culture jars over time. The fruit flies were grown in an artificial medium containing nutrients and moisture. They were enclosed in a culture jar of a defined size. Initially, there were ten fruit flies in the experiment. The population reached 75 over the course of four weeks. However, after eight weeks, the population size leveled off and then decreased. Survival of fruit fly larvae declined after eight weeks. Which hypotheses are supported by the information in this scenario? Select the THREE that apply.

A The older fruit flies were unable to reproduce.The older fruit flies were unable to reproduce.
B The carrying capacity was exceeded by the fly population.The carrying capacity was exceeded by the fly population.
C Food was abundant for the first four weeks of the experiment.Food was abundant for the first four weeks of the experiment.
D The fruit flies were unable to survive in a laboratory setting.The fruit flies were unable to survive in a laboratory setting.
E The carrying capacity decreased when no new food was added to the culture jars.

Answer 1

B The carrying capacity was exceeded by the fly population.

C Food was abundant for the first four weeks of the experiment.
E The carrying capacity decreased when no new food was added to the culture jars.