Question 1

Based on the life table provided, which type of survivorship curve does this population most likely exhibit, and what level of parental care would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Type III; low parental care

Question 2

Given the exponential growth equation $$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$, if Population A has $$r = 0.2$$ and Population B has $$r = 0.05$$, which population is growing faster and why?

Accepted Answer

Population A, because it has a higher $$r$$ value

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a biological community?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations of different species living in close enough proximity to interact

Question 4

In the experiment with Chthamalus and Balanus barnacles, what ecological concept is illustrated by the difference between fundamental and realized niches?

Accepted Answer

Competitive exclusion

Question 5

Character displacement is most likely to occur in which scenario?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric populations with overlapping niches

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an exploitative interaction?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism by Plasmodium on red blood cells

Question 7

Many parasites have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. What is the adaptive significance of this strategy?

Accepted Answer

It allows the parasite to exploit different resources and increase transmission

Question 8

Which prey defense is illustrated by the poison dart frog's bright coloration?

Accepted Answer

Aposematic coloration

Question 9

Batesian mimicry involves:

Accepted Answer

A harmless species mimicking a harmful one

Question 10

Which of the following is a mechanical defense against herbivory?

Accepted Answer

Acacia spines

Question 11

In a mutualistic relationship between acacia trees and stinging ants, what is the primary benefit for the tree?

Accepted Answer

Protection from herbivores

Question 12

Resource partitioning enables similar species to:

Accepted Answer

Coexist in a community by using different resources

Question 13

Which formula would you use to compare the exponential growth rates of two populations?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$

Question 14

Species diversity in a community is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Species richness and relative abundance

Question 15

According to the energetic hypothesis, the length of a food chain is limited by:

Accepted Answer

The efficiency of energy transfer along the chain

Question 16

Which species is most likely to be considered a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species with pivotal ecological roles and strong control over community structure

Question 17

Bottom-up control in a trophic structure means:

Accepted Answer

Abundance at each trophic level is limited by nutrient supply or food availability at lower levels

Question 18

The intermediate disturbance hypothesis predicts that:

Accepted Answer

Intermediate levels of disturbance result in greater species diversity than high or low levels

Question 19

Primary succession occurs when:

Accepted Answer

An area is colonized for the first time after a disturbance

Question 20

According to the theory of island biogeography, the number of species on an island is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The balance between immigration and extinction

Community Ecology: Structure, Interactions, and Dynamics

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards