Modeling Species Richness During Succession

Question

Which of the following functions best models the change in species richness over time for an ecosystem undergoing ecological succession?

Accepted Answer

A quadratic function, $$R(t) = -2 * (t - 10)^2 + 50$$, that increases to a maximum and then declines.

Answer

An exponential function, $$R(t) = 50 * e^{0.1 * t}$$, that continuously increases species richness.

Answer

A linear function, $$R(t) = 3 * t + 20$$, which lacks a peak representing decline.

Answer

A constant function, $$R(t) = 50$$, indicating unchanging species richness over time.

Question Leaderboard