$$\text{Pop. Size} = \frac{\text{# marked and released} \times \text{# captured in 2nd sampling}}{\text{# marked that are recaptured}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best defines a population in the context of population ecology?

Accepted Answer

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same general area, experiencing similar environments, and capable of interbreeding

Question 2

Which method is most appropriate for estimating the density of bison in Yellowstone National Park?

Accepted Answer

Direct count or census

Question 3

In mark-recapture studies, which assumption is critical for accurate population size estimation?

Accepted Answer

Marked and unmarked animals have the same likelihood of capture

Question 4

Which equation represents the exponential growth model for population size?

Accepted Answer

$$dN\ dt = rN$$

Question 5

What is the main difference between exponential and logistic growth models?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth incorporates carrying capacity ($$K$$), causing population growth to slow as it approaches $$K$$

Question 6

Which formula describes the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

A population of snowshoe hares is being studied. If predators are excluded, what is the most likely outcome based on population ecology studies?

Accepted Answer

The population collapse in survival will be nearly eliminated

Question 8

Which type of dispersion pattern is most commonly observed in nature and is often associated with patchy resources?

Accepted Answer

Clumped dispersion

Question 9

What is the effect of crowding and resource limitation on per capita birth and death rates as a population approaches carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

Per capita birth rates decline and death rates increase

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a direct cause of population growth rate changes?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Question 11

Which life history trait is associated with semelparity?

Accepted Answer

One-shot, big-bang reproduction

Question 12

If a population is experiencing exponential growth, what shape will its population size curve have when plotted over time?

Accepted Answer

J-shaped curve

Question 13

Which survivorship curve type is characterized by high mortality early in life, with few individuals surviving to adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Type III

Question 14

Why are males often ignored in life tables when calculating reproductive rates?

Accepted Answer

Females are the limiting factor in reproduction

Question 15

Which factor is NOT considered an abiotic factor influencing population dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Disease

Question 16

A conservation biologist wants to estimate the critical size below which a population becomes at risk for extinction. Which model should they use?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth model

Question 17

Which equation would you use to calculate population size using mark-recapture data?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Pop. Size} = \frac{	ext{# marked and released} 	imes 	ext{# captured in 2nd sampling}}{	ext{# marked that are recaptured}}$$

Question 18

Which scenario best illustrates uniform dispersion?

Accepted Answer

Penguins nesting at regular intervals due to territorial behavior

Question 19

What is the primary reason random dispersion occurs in a population?

Accepted Answer

Even distribution of resources and conditions

Question 20

Which of the following would NOT be considered a vital statistic in population demographics?

Accepted Answer

Competition

Population Ecology: Structure, Dynamics, and Growth Models

Study Guide - Practice Questions