Which distribution pattern describes individuals that cluster around resources, rather than being evenly spaced?

• A. Uniform Distribution
• B. Random Distribution
• C. Clumped Distribution
• D. Population Distribution

Answer: (C)

Distribution patterns show how individuals occupy space relative to resources. When resources are patchy or individuals benefit from sticking together, they tend to cluster in groups around those resource-rich areas. This clustering is a clumped distribution: you’ll see many individuals gathered near water sources, food patches, nesting sites, or in social groups, because there are advantages to being in a group or because resources are concentrated there.

In contrast, a uniform pattern happens when individuals actively space themselves apart, often due to competition or territorial behavior. A random pattern occurs when there’s no strong attraction or repulsion and resources are more evenly distributed, so positions are more by chance. The term population distribution is a general way to describe spacing but doesn’t specify this clustering tendency.