Questions: Q1.11. Now examine the lower panel (butterflies), where the curve continues to rise linearly. What does this indicate about the processes structuring the butterfly community? It suggests that the communities are unsaturated and that the size of the regional pool determines local species richness. It suggests that the communities are becoming saturated and that local processes are likely becoming increasingly important. It does not tell us anything about the relative importance of the regional species pool and local interactions.

The answer is the first one: It suggests that the communities are unsaturated and that the size of the regional pool determines local species richness.

Explanation for each option:

1. It suggests that the communities are unsaturated and that the size of the regional pool determines local species richness.

   • This option is correct because a linearly rising curve in the context of species richness typically indicates that the community is not yet saturated. This means that the addition of new species from the regional pool continues to increase local species richness, suggesting that the regional pool size is a key determinant.

2. It suggests that the communities are becoming saturated and that local processes are likely becoming increasingly important.

   • This option is incorrect. If the communities were becoming saturated, we would expect the curve to level off, indicating that local factors are limiting further increases in species richness. A linear rise does not suggest saturation.

3. It does not tell us anything about the relative importance of the regional species pool and local interactions.

   • This option is incorrect because the linear rise in the curve does provide information about the influence of the regional species pool on local species richness, indicating that the community is unsaturated and influenced by the regional pool.

In summary, the linear rise in the curve suggests that the butterfly communities are unsaturated, and the regional species pool size is a significant factor in determining local species richness.