The number of orangutans that can live in a 1 km2 space?

• A. 1-3
• B. 5-10
• C. 10-20
• D. 50-60

Answer: (A)

Orangutans need a lot of space and a steady supply of fruit, so the number that can live in a small forest area is naturally very limited. Each individual requires a sizable home range of trees to feed and move through, and fruit availability shifts with seasons. In a 1 km2 patch, the habitat can usually support only a small number because adding more orangutans would strain the food supply, lead to more competition for sleeping sites and space in the canopy, and increase social stress. That combination keeps the typical density low, around one to a few individuals in such a patch. Larger ranges like 5–10, 10–20, or 50–60 would imply much more space and food than a 1 km2 area can reliably provide, which is why those options don’t fit.