A newly formed volcanic island is just beginning to be inhabited by a species of finch. According to ecological principles, which of the following demographic factors will contribute most significantly to the population growth of finches in this specific stage?

Step-by-step solution

Under normal conditions, births (natality) and deaths (mortality) are the most important factors influencing population density, while immigration and emigration assume importance only under special conditions. However, if a new habitat is just being colonised, immigration may contribute more significantly to population growth than birth rates. Since the volcanic island is a newly formed habitat just beginning to be inhabited, immigration will be the most significant demographic factor. Answer: Immigration