Question 1

Which of the following best defines population ecology?

Accepted Answer

The study of the distribution and abundance of organisms and how populations change over time and space.

Question 2

A population of deer is distributed in small groups around water sources in a forest. This is an example of which type of population distribution?

Accepted Answer

Clumped

Question 3

Given the exponential growth equation $$\Delta N/\Delta t = rN$$, if a population of 500 deer grows at a rate of $$r = 0.06$$, what is the population size after one year?

Accepted Answer

530

Question 4

Which variable in population models represents the net reproductive rate?

Accepted Answer

$$R_0$$

Question 5

If a population is growing logistically with a carrying capacity $$K = 600$$, and the current population is $$N = 500$$ with $$r = 0.06$$, what is the expected change in population size after one year? Use the logistic growth equation: $$\Delta N/\Delta t = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right).$$

Accepted Answer

5

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Low survivorship early in life, with few individuals reaching old age.

Question 7

Based on the life table provided, at what age does fecundity ($$m_x) $$peak in white-tailed deer?

Accepted Answer

Age 5

Question 8

Which age class contributes the most to population growth (i.e., has the highest $$l_x \cdot m_x$$ value) in the white-tailed deer life table?

Accepted Answer

Age 5

Question 9

If the net reproductive rate $$R_0$$ for a population is less than 1, what does this imply about the population's future?

Accepted Answer

The population will decline over time.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor regulating deer populations?

Accepted Answer

A viral outbreak that spreads more easily as population density increases.

Question 11

A wildlife manager wants to reduce population growth in white-tailed deer. Based on the life table, which age class should be targeted for harvest to have the greatest impact and why?

Accepted Answer

Prime-aged adults (age 5), because they contribute most to $$l_x \cdot m_x.$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes an r-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Short lifespan, high fecundity, little parental care.

Question 13

If increased predation on fawns (age 0–1) occurs, what is the most likely effect on $$R_0$$ and long-term population stability?

Accepted Answer

$$R_0$$ will decrease, potentially causing population decline.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of top-down regulation in a deer population?

Accepted Answer

Predation by wolves reducing deer numbers.

Question 15

In a managed forest, deer numbers remain stable despite a drop in predator presence. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Bottom-up regulation by limited food resources.

Question 16

If a population of deer is experiencing exponential growth, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The population increases by a constant proportion each year.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the trend in the deer and wolf populations from 2015 to 2020 in the provided data?

Accepted Answer

Wolf population peaks after the deer population, suggesting a predator-prey cycle.

Question 18

Which equation would you use to estimate the average age of reproduction (generation time, $$T) in a $$population?

Accepted Answer

$$T = \sum (x \cdot l_x \cdot m_x) / \sum (l_x \cdot m_x)$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a bottom-up factor affecting deer populations?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in available browse due to drought.

Question 20

If a population is regulated primarily by disease that spreads more easily at higher densities, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Density-dependent, top-down regulation.

Population Ecology: Principles, Models, and Applications

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