Question 1

Which type of population dispersion is illustrated by the first image (clusters of individuals in groups)?

Accepted Answer

Clumped dispersion

Question 2

A researcher is studying a population of plants that are evenly spaced due to competition for resources. Which image best represents this type of dispersion?

Accepted Answer

The second image

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the population dispersion shown in the third image (individuals scattered with no clear pattern)?

Accepted Answer

Random dispersion

Question 4

Which of the following species is most likely to exhibit a Type 1 survivorship curve based on the fecundity chart in the fourth image?

Accepted Answer

African Elephant

Question 5

Given the formula for population density $$D = \frac{N}{S}$$, where $$N is $$the number of individuals and $$S is $$the area, what is the density if 120 plants are found in a 40 $$m^2$$ area?

Accepted Answer

$$D = 3$$ individuals/$$m^2$$

Question 6

A scientist uses the mark and recapture method and finds $$M = 50$$ marked fish, $$n = 100$$ unmarked fish in the second sample, and $$m = 10$$ recaptured marked fish. What is the estimated total population size $$N$$? Use $$N = \frac{M 	imes n}{m}.$$

Accepted Answer

$$N = 500$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential pitfall of the mark and recapture method?

Accepted Answer

Markings may affect the survival or recapture probability of individuals.

Question 8

Which population sampling method is most appropriate for estimating the number of earthworms in a field?

Accepted Answer

Quadrat sampling

Question 9

A population of sea turtles produces hundreds of eggs, but only a few survive to adulthood. Which survivorship curve does this population most likely follow?

Accepted Answer

Type 3

Question 10

If a population has a high proportion of individuals at reproductive age, what is the likely trend in population size?

Accepted Answer

Population will increase.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why clumped dispersion is common in nature?

Accepted Answer

It allows individuals to maximize resource exploitation or protection.

Question 12

Which species from the fecundity chart would be most vulnerable to population decline due to low reproductive output?

Accepted Answer

African Elephant

Question 13

Why is random dispersion rare in nature?

Accepted Answer

Most habitats are not uniform and individuals are often influenced by interactions with others.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about Type 2 survivorship curves?

Accepted Answer

Mortality rate is constant throughout life.

Question 15

If a quadrat sampling study covers 10 quadrats and finds a total of 200 plants, what is the average number of plants per quadrat?

Accepted Answer

20

Question 16

Which of the following best describes ecological density ($$D_e$$)?

Accepted Answer

The number of individuals per unit of suitable habitat.

Question 17

A population of birds is evenly spaced due to territorial behavior. Which dispersion pattern does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Uniform

Question 18

Which of the following is a reason why quadrat sampling may give inaccurate results?

Accepted Answer

Clumped dispersion can cause over- or underestimation if not enough quadrats are sampled.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes fecundity?

Accepted Answer

The number of offspring an individual can produce over its lifetime.

Population Characteristics and Dispersion Patterns

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