Arizona State University (ASU) BIO331 Animal Behavior Exam 1 Practice

The size of an animal's territory is significantly influenced by resource availability and population density. When resources such as food, water, and mates are abundant, an animal may establish a larger territory to take advantage of these resources. Conversely, if resources are scarce, the territory may be smaller to ensure it can be effectively defended and utilized.

Population density also plays a critical role. In areas with high population density, there might be increased competition for limited resources, which can lead to smaller territories as animals become more competitive and may need to defend against others more aggressively. On the other hand, in lower-density populations, animals may have larger territories that can accommodate their needs without overlapping significantly with others.

Understanding these dynamics highlights the adaptability of animals in response to their environment and social structure, leading to variations in territory size based on ecological conditions.