Q: A population of rabbits in a meadow is estimated using the mark-recapture method. On the first day, 40 rabbits are captured, marked, and released. On the second day, 50 rabbits are captured, and 10 of them are marked. What is the estimated population size ($$N$$)? Use the formula $$N = \frac{(n_1$ \times n_2$)}{m_2$}.$$

$$N = \frac{(40 \times 50)}{10} = 200$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between exponential and logistic population growth models?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth assumes unlimited resources and no carrying capacity, while logistic growth incorporates carrying capacity ($$K) $$and resource limitation.

Question 2

A population of rabbits in a meadow is estimated using the mark-recapture method. On the first day, 40 rabbits are captured, marked, and released. On the second day, 50 rabbits are captured, and 10 of them are marked. What is the estimated population size ($$N$$)? Use the formula $$N = \frac{(n_1$ 	imes n_2$)}{m_2$}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{(40 	imes 50)}{10} = 200$$

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor regulating population growth?

Accepted Answer

Competition for food resources

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why most food chains are short, typically containing only 3-5 trophic levels?

Accepted Answer

Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with only about 10% of energy passed to the next level.

Question 5

A lake receives excess nutrients from agricultural runoff, resulting in a rapid increase in algae followed by a decline in fish populations. This process is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the principle of competitive exclusion?

Accepted Answer

Two species of barnacles compete for the same space on a rocky shore, and one species is eliminated from the area.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

Accepted Answer

A fundamental niche is the full range of environmental conditions a species can potentially occupy, while a realized niche is the actual range occupied due to biotic interactions.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

Sea otters in kelp forest ecosystems, which control sea urchin populations

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct statement about the water cycle?

Accepted Answer

Transpiration from plants and evaporation from bodies of water both return water vapor to the atmosphere.

Question 11

A toxin such as DDT is found in low concentrations in water but accumulates to high levels in fish-eating birds. This phenomenon is known as:

Accepted Answer

Biological magnification

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the biomass pyramid in an open ocean ecosystem can be inverted (with more biomass in consumers than in producers at a given time)?

Accepted Answer

Producers (phytoplankton) reproduce rapidly but are consumed quickly, so their standing biomass is low.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

A forest regrowing after a wildfire

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the 10% rule in ecology?

Accepted Answer

Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level.

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely consequence of exceeding the carrying capacity ($$K) of an $$environment?

Accepted Answer

Population size will decrease due to increased mortality and resource depletion.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of a foundation species?

Accepted Answer

Coral in coral reef ecosystems

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

It increases edge effects and can lead to a decline in species that require large, continuous habitats.

Question 18

Which of the following is a primary goal of conservation biology?

Accepted Answer

To preserve genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide traps more heat, leading to higher global temperatures.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Two species of warblers feed in different parts of the same tree to reduce competition.

Ecology and Conservation Biology: Study Guide for BIO 311D (Module 4)

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