A population that exhibits birth rates that are identical to the death rate implies
(a) Initial growth
(b) Plateau phase
(c) Acceleration phase
(d) Log phase

Options

A. Initial growth
B. Plateau phase
C. Acceleration phase
D. Log phase

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the implications of a population where the birth rate is equal to the death rate.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Birth Rate and Death Rate**:
- Birth rate (natality) refers to the number of live births in a population over a specific period.
- Death rate (mortality) refers to the number of deaths in a population over the same period.

2. **Equivalence of Birth and Death Rates**:
- When the birth rate is equal to the death rate (B = D), it indicates that the number of individuals being born is exactly balanced by the number of individuals dying.

3. **Implication of Equal Rates**:
- If the birth rate equals the death rate, there is no net increase or decrease in the population size. This condition leads to a stable population.

4. **Population Growth Phases**:
- In ecological studies, populations typically go through different growth phases:
- **Initial Growth Phase**: Characterized by rapid population increase.
- **Log Phase (Exponential Phase)**: Where the population grows exponentially because the birth rate exceeds the death rate.
- **Plateau Phase**: Where the population stabilizes, and the birth rate equals the death rate.
- **Acceleration Phase**: A phase where the population growth rate is increasing.

5. **Identifying the Correct Phase**:
- Given that the birth rate equals the death rate, the population is not growing or declining. This situation is characteristic of the **Plateau Phase**, where the population reaches a balance.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **(b) Plateau phase**.