Question 1

Which equation best describes exponential population growth, and what does each variable represent?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$, where $$N is $$population size, $$r is $$per capita growth rate, and $$t is $$time.

Question 2

A population of 1000 deer has a yearly birth rate of 100 young and a yearly death rate of 90 individuals. What is the per capita growth rate ($$r) $$for this population?

Accepted Answer

$$r = 0.01$$

Question 3

Which equation models logistic population growth, and what does it imply about population size as it approaches carrying capacity?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(\frac{K-N}{K}\right)$$; growth slows as $$N$$ approaches $$K.$$

Question 4

Based on the moose/wolf dynamic graph, what is the most likely effect of a sudden decrease in wolf population on the moose population?

Accepted Answer

Moose population will increase due to reduced predation.

Question 5

In the hare/lynx population graph, what is the primary factor regulating the lynx population?

Accepted Answer

Availability of hares as prey.

Question 6

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor affecting population size?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism

Question 7

A population of fish is broadcast spawners, producing many eggs with no parental care. If they evolve to mouth brooders, what change in survivorship curve would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Shift from Type III to Type I or II.

Question 8

What is the net reproductive rate ($$R_0) $$and what does it indicate about population growth?

Accepted Answer

$$R_0$$ = \sum l_x m_x$$; if R_0$ \u003e 1$$, population grows.

Question 9

Which life history strategy is characterized by high reproductive rate and poor competitive ability?

Accepted Answer

r-selected species

Question 10

If a population is regulated by weather events such as drought, which type of factor is this?

Accepted Answer

Density-independent

Question 11

A population of birds has 100 births, 20 deaths, 10 immigrations, and 5 emigrations in a year. What is the net change in population size?

Accepted Answer

Net change = (100 + 10) - (20 + 5) = 85

Question 12

Which population growth model is most appropriate for a population of elephants in a protected reserve with limited space and food?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth

Question 13

What is carrying capacity ($$K) $$and how is it determined?

Accepted Answer

$$K is $$the maximum population size determined by resource availability.

Question 14

If a population's per capita growth rate ($$r) is $$negative, what will happen to the population over time?

Accepted Answer

The population will decline.

Question 15

Which scenario best illustrates a density-dependent process limiting population size?

Accepted Answer

Competition for nesting sites among birds.

Question 16

Given a life table, how do you calculate the net reproductive rate ($$R_0$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$R_0$$ = \sum l_x m_x$$

Question 17

If a population of beavers has a net reproductive rate ($$R_0) of 0.98$$, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The population is slightly declining.

Question 18

Which survivorship curve is most likely for a polar bear, based on its life history?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Question 19

If a population of fish is harvested at a rate that keeps it at intermediate density, what is the expected effect on population growth rate and yield?

Accepted Answer

Maximum growth rate and maximum sustainable yield.

Question 20

Which factor is most likely to cause a population crash in reindeer, as shown in the population graph?

Accepted Answer

Resource depletion and exceeding carrying capacity.

Population Ecology: Principles, Models, and Applications

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