Q: In the mark-recapture method for estimating population size, if 180 individuals are marked and released, and later 44 are recaptured with 18 marked, what is the estimated population size using the formula $$N = \frac{n_1$ n_2$}{m_2$}$$?

$$N = \frac{180 \times 44}{18} \approx 440$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'carrying capacity' ($$K) in $$population ecology?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources such as food, shelter, and water.

Question 2

A population of deer in a forest is growing according to the exponential model. If the initial population is $$N_0 = 100$ and the intrinsic rate of increase is r = 0.05$, what will the population size be after 10 years? Use the formula N_t$$ = $$N_0$$ $$e^{rt}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = 100 e$$^{0.5}$$ \approx 164$$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A disease that spreads more rapidly as population density increases.

Question 4

In the mark-recapture method for estimating population size, if 180 individuals are marked and released, and later 44 are recaptured with 18 marked, what is the estimated population size using the formula $$N = \frac{n_1$ n_2$}{m_2$}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{180 	imes 44}{18} \approx 440$$

Question 5

Which survivorship curve (Type I, II, or III) best describes a population of elephants, and why?

Accepted Answer

Type I, because elephants have low mortality until old age, when death rates increase.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'competitive exclusion' in community ecology?

Accepted Answer

Two species of bacteria competing for the same limited nutrient, resulting in one species outcompeting and eliminating the other.

Question 7

A lake is classified as 'oligotrophic.' Which of the following characteristics would you expect to find?

Accepted Answer

Low nutrient content, clear water, and high oxygen levels.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why tropical regions generally have higher species diversity than temperate regions?

Accepted Answer

Tropical regions have had more time to evolve and accumulate species due to stable climates.

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the exponential growth rate of a population?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

A population of rabbits is experiencing logistic growth. Which of the following best describes what happens as the population approaches carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

The population growth rate slows and eventually levels off.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that can affect the distribution of aquatic species?

Accepted Answer

Salinity and sunlight.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the intermediate disturbance hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Intermediate levels of disturbance foster higher species diversity than low or high disturbance.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of primary succession?

Accepted Answer

Plants colonizing bare rock after a volcanic eruption.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a 'Type III' survivorship curve?

Accepted Answer

High mortality early in life, with few individuals surviving to adulthood.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor influencing species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Competition for nesting sites among birds.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

Rapid evolution of many species from a single ancestor to fill different ecological niches.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between photosynthesis and oxygen levels in aquatic environments?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis increases oxygen levels in water.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A sea otter that controls sea urchin populations, maintaining kelp forest ecosystems.

Question 20

Which of the following equations represents the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$

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