Question 1

Which of the following is a key assumption of the exponential model of population growth?

Accepted Answer

Resources (food, space, etc.) are unlimited.

Question 2

What shape does the logistic model of population growth produce?

Accepted Answer

An S-shaped (sigmoidal) curve

Question 3

Carrying capacity ($$K) is $$best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size an environment can support.

Question 4

Which equation represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

A population of rabbits is introduced to an island with unlimited resources and no predators. Which model best predicts their initial population growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential model

Question 6

Which of the following life history traits would most likely be favored by natural selection in an unpredictable environment?

Accepted Answer

High frequency of reproduction

Question 7

In the logistic growth model, what happens to the population growth rate as the population size ($$N) $$approaches carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

It decreases and approaches zero.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a trait included in the definition of life history?

Accepted Answer

Coloration pattern

Question 9

A population of deer in a forest is approaching the forest's carrying capacity. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The population growth rate will slow down.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the logistic model is more realistic than the exponential model for most natural populations?

Accepted Answer

It considers resource limitations and carrying capacity.

Question 11

If a population grows according to the logistic model, which equation describes its growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which scenario would most likely result in exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

A population with unlimited resources and no immigration or emigration.

Question 13

Natural selection acts on life history traits by:

Accepted Answer

Favoring traits that help organisms leave more offspring in their environment.

Question 14

Which of the following would NOT be considered a resource limitation in the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

Unlimited water supply

Question 15

A population of bacteria doubles every hour in a laboratory with unlimited nutrients. After 5 hours, starting with 100 bacteria, how many bacteria will there be?

Accepted Answer

3200

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of resource limitation on population growth?

Accepted Answer

Population growth rate slows as population size approaches carrying capacity.

Question 17

If $$r = 0.2$$ and $$N = 500$$, what is the instantaneous growth rate ($$\frac{dN}{dt}) $$for exponential growth?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = 100$$

Question 18

Which life history trait would most likely increase an organism's fitness in a stable environment?

Accepted Answer

Long lifespan and fewer offspring with more parental care

Question 19

A population of fish in a lake is observed to have a constant birth rate and death rate, with no immigration or emigration. Which model best describes its growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential model

Question 20

Which of the following statements about life history strategies is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Life history strategies are shaped by natural selection to suit ecological conditions.

Population Growth Models and Life History in General Biology

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