Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the California clapper rail is only found in a narrow stretch along the California coast near the Bay Area?

Accepted Answer

Its distribution is limited by both abiotic factors (such as specific habitat requirements) and biotic factors (such as competition and predation) that are unique to that region.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that could limit the distribution of a species?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH that is unsuitable for the species’ survival

Question 3

A population of rabbits in a meadow increases in size over several years. Which of the following must have occurred for this population to grow?

Accepted Answer

The birth rate exceeded the death rate over time.

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

A population of deer is observed to have a clumped dispersion pattern. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Resources such as food and water are unevenly distributed, causing individuals to aggregate in certain areas.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between a species’ actual range and its potential range?

Accepted Answer

The actual range is where a species currently lives, while the potential range includes all areas where it could survive and reproduce if there were no dispersal barriers.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a density-dependent limiting factor?

Accepted Answer

Natural disasters such as floods

Question 8

A population of bacteria in a lab culture initially grows rapidly, but then the growth rate slows and the population size levels off. Which model best describes this pattern, and what is the key parameter that limits growth?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth model; carrying capacity ($$K)$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of an r-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Produces many offspring with little parental care

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a metapopulation?

Accepted Answer

A group of spatially separated populations of the same species that interact through migration

Question 11

A population of fish in a lake is being studied. The researchers find that the population size fluctuates dramatically from year to year, often due to changes in water temperature and storms. Which type of limiting factor is primarily affecting this population?

Accepted Answer

Density-independent factors

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main components of life history?

Accepted Answer

Type of survivorship curve

Question 13

Which survivorship curve is characterized by high mortality early in life, but those that survive the early period live much longer?

Accepted Answer

Type III

Question 14

Which of the following equations represents the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

A population overshoots its carrying capacity ($$K). $$Which of the following is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

The population will experience a decline due to increased mortality or decreased birth rates.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of dispersal limiting a species’ distribution?

Accepted Answer

A mountain range prevents a species of frog from reaching suitable habitats on the other side.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between evolutionary and ecological factors in species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary factors involve genetic adaptation over generations, while ecological factors involve current interactions with the environment and other organisms.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

Accepted Answer

An outbreak of disease spreads more rapidly as the population density increases.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about population dynamics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Population size can fluctuate due to both predictable and unpredictable factors, including interactions with other species and environmental variability.

Question 20

A researcher constructs a life table for a population of lizards. What information can be derived from this table?

Accepted Answer

The probability of survival and reproduction at each age, which can be used to create survivorship curves.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Population Ecology (AP Biology, Ch 40) MY VERSION

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