Population Ecology

The graph depicts directional selection, where one phenotype is favoured over another, shifting the population mean.

Growth curve ‘A’ (Exponential growth): Possible when resources are unlimited and there are no environmental constraints. Growth curve ‘B’ (Logistic growth): Possible when resources are limited, and environmental resistance impacts population growth.

(a) Restriction enzyme: EcoRI. The sequences are referred to as palindromic sequences. (b) The arrows indicate the site where the restriction enzyme EcoRI cuts the DNA. Result: The DNA is cleaved into fragments with sticky ends, enabling the insertion of foreign DNA during genetic engineering.

The exponential growth curve (curve ‘A’) is more relevant because the human population continues to grow rapidly due to advancements in healthcare and technology. However, environmental challenges may eventually enforce a transition to a logistic growth model.