Class NEET 2026 ALL Q #2062
COMPETENCY BASED
APPLY
4 Marks 2026 NTA-RE-NEET-2026 MCQ SINGLE
Consider a population of 10 million cells. Given the per-capita birth rate of 0.002 (per unit time) and the per-capita death rate of 0.002 (per unit time), the expected number of cells after 10 generations is
(A) 100 million
(B) 1 million
(C) 5 million
(D) 10 million
Correct Answer: D

AI Tutor Explanation

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Detailed Solution

Step 1: Identify the Population Growth Model

The population growth is governed by the intrinsic rate of natural increase ($r$), which is defined as the difference between the per-capita birth rate ($b$) and the per-capita death rate ($d$).

Step 2: Calculate the Intrinsic Rate of Increase

Given $b = 0.002$ and $d = 0.002$, the intrinsic rate of increase is: $$r = b - d = 0.002 - 0.002 = 0$$

Step 3: Apply the Exponential Growth Formula

The population size at time $t$ is given by the formula: $$N_t = N_0 \cdot e^{rt}$$ Since $r = 0$, the exponent becomes $0 \cdot t = 0$. Therefore: $$N_t = N_0 \cdot e^0 = N_0 \cdot 1 = N_0$$

Step 4: Determine the Final Population

Since the growth rate is zero, the population remains constant regardless of the number of generations. Given the initial population $N_0 = 10$ million, the population after 10 generations remains 10 million.

Final Answer: 10 million

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student must apply the mathematical model of population growth (exponential growth equation) to a specific set of biological parameters.
Knowledge Dimension: PROCEDURAL
Justification: The student is required to perform a calculation using the standard population growth formula taught in the Ecology unit.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of NEET, this is classified as COMPETENCY. This question tests the conceptual understanding of population dynamics (Organisms and Populations chapter) rather than rote memorization of facts.