Q: Which equation would you use to calculate the change in population size over time, considering births, deaths, immigration, and emigration?

$$\text{Change in population size} = \text{Births} + \text{Immigrants} - \text{Deaths} - \text{Emigrants}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the dispersion pattern observed in the image of the elk herd (Image 4)?

Accepted Answer

Clumped dispersion

Question 2

A researcher uses a quadrat (Image 18) to estimate oyster population density. If she counts 25 oysters in a 1 m$$^2$$ quadrat and samples 10 quadrats, what is the estimated density per m$$^2$$?

Accepted Answer

25 oysters/m$$^2$$

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the exponential growth of a population, where $$r is $$the per capita rate of increase and $$N is $$the population size?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta N / \Delta t = rN$$

Question 4

In the mark-recapture method, if 30 butterflies are marked and released, and in the second sample 40 butterflies are caught (10 of which are marked), what is the estimated population size?

Accepted Answer

120

Question 5

Which survivorship curve type is most likely to be observed in humans, based on the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Type I

Question 6

Which factor is density-independent and can affect population size regardless of population density?

Accepted Answer

Flood

Question 7

What is the carrying capacity ($$K) in $$the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size the environment can support

Question 8

Which life history strategy is characterized by producing many offspring with little parental care, often in unpredictable environments?

Accepted Answer

r-selection

Question 9

If a population of deer mice (Image 8) is affected by a sudden cold snap that kills many individuals, which type of factor is this?

Accepted Answer

Density-independent factor

Question 10

Which equation would you use to calculate the change in population size over time, considering births, deaths, immigration, and emigration?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Change in population size} = 	ext{Births} + 	ext{Immigrants} - 	ext{Deaths} - 	ext{Emigrants}$$

Question 11

Which ecological level is best represented by the image of the coral reef (Image 2), showing many species interacting?

Accepted Answer

Community ecology

Question 12

What is the main purpose of a life table in population ecology?

Accepted Answer

To summarize vital statistics such as births and deaths

Question 13

Which pattern of dispersion is most likely to occur when resources are evenly distributed and there are no strong attractions or repulsions among individuals?

Accepted Answer

Random dispersion

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of clumped dispersion?

Accepted Answer

Fish schooling in the ocean (Image 5)

Question 15

Which ecological concept is illustrated by the image of the river corridor (Image 11), showing the movement of organisms and materials across ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Landscape ecology

Question 16

If a population is growing according to the logistic model, which equation describes its growth rate as it approaches carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the ecological footprint?

Accepted Answer

The aggregate land and water area needed to sustain a nation's population

Question 18

Which population characteristic is most directly measured by counting feces, nests, or burrows?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Question 19

Which life history trait is favored in stable environments where parents can breed repeatedly?

Accepted Answer

Iteroparity

Question 20

Which factor is most likely to cause population oscillations, such as those observed between snowshoe hares and lynx?

Accepted Answer

Predator-prey interactions

Population Ecology: Structure, Dynamics, and Human Impact

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards