Q: In a mark-recapture study, 100 dolphins are marked in the first trip. In the second trip, 500 dolphins are observed, 50 of which are marked. What is the estimated population size?

$$N = \frac{100 \times 500}{50} = 1000$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a population in ecological terms?

Accepted Answer

All individuals of a species living in a defined area.

Question 2

A rose garden measures 50 m by 10 m and contains 50 rose plants. What is the population density of roses in this garden?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{50}{500} = 0.1$$ plants/m$$^2$$

Question 3

Which dispersion pattern is most likely to result from territorial behavior in animals?

Accepted Answer

Uniform

Question 4

In a mark-recapture study, 100 dolphins are marked in the first trip. In the second trip, 500 dolphins are observed, 50 of which are marked. What is the estimated population size?

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{100 	imes 500}{50} = 1000$$

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can regulate population growth in a density-dependent manner?

Accepted Answer

Drought

Question 6

What does the term 'carrying capacity' ($$K) $$refer to in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size an environment can sustain.

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the rate of change in population size under exponential growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

A population of 100 animals has 5 births and 10 deaths in 10 years. What is the per capita growth rate ($$r_{\Delta t}$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$r_{\Delta t} = \frac{(5-10)/10}{100} = -0.005$$

Question 9

Which life history strategy is characterized by a single, large reproductive event followed by death?

Accepted Answer

Semelparity

Question 10

Which survivorship curve type is typical for species with few offspring and high parental care?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Question 11

What is the ecological footprint?

Accepted Answer

The total land and water area needed to sustain a population and absorb its waste.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a metapopulation?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations linked by immigration and emigration.

Question 13

Which selection strategy is associated with populations near carrying capacity and efficient resource use?

Accepted Answer

K-selection

Question 14

If a population overshoots its carrying capacity, what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Population size will decrease due to resource depletion.

Question 15

Which factor is most likely to cause density-independent regulation of population growth?

Accepted Answer

Drastic environmental change such as drought.

Question 16

What is the main focus of demography in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

Vital statistics of populations and how they change over time.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the global human population is no longer growing exponentially?

Accepted Answer

Lower birth and death rates due to industrialization and improved living conditions.

Question 18

Which equation is used to estimate population size using the mark-recapture method?

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{M 	imes C}{R}$$, where $$M is $$marked in first sample, $$C is $$total in second sample, $$R is $$recaptured marked individuals.

Question 19

Which of the following is a trade-off observed in European kestrels regarding brood size?

Accepted Answer

Larger brood size decreases parental survival rate.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about age structure in human populations?

Accepted Answer

It is the relative number of individuals at each age in a population.

Population Ecology: Density, Demographics, and Growth

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