Q: A population of deer in a forest has a carrying capacity ($$K) of 500. If $$the current population size ($$N) is 400 $$and the intrinsic rate of increase ($$r) is 0.1$$, what is the expected change in population size according to the logistic growth model?

$$dN/dt = 0.1 \times 400 \times (1 - 400/500) = 8$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

A population in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary forces.

Question 2

Given the Hardy-Weinberg equation $$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$, what does 2pq$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of the heterozygous genotype.

Question 3

A population of butterflies has two alleles for wing color: B (black) and b (white). If the frequency of B is 0.7 and b is 0.3, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$$0.42$$

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg model?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is present.

Question 5

Why is genetic variation necessary for evolution to occur?

Accepted Answer

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Question 6

Which scenario best illustrates balancing selection?

Accepted Answer

Heterozygotes for sickle cell anemia have a survival advantage in malaria-endemic regions.

Question 7

Which of the following is the best definition of a biological species according to the Biological Species Concept?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations whose members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 8

Which process is most likely to result in speciation?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive isolation between two populations.

Question 9

A population of lizards is split by a river, preventing them from mating. Over time, the two groups develop different coloration and mating calls. What evolutionary process is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation.

Question 10

Which of the following would most likely increase genetic variation in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation.

Question 11

Which factor is LEAST likely to affect population density in a given area?

Accepted Answer

The color of the species’ fur.

Question 12

Which equation would you use to estimate population growth under ideal conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dt = rN$$

Question 13

A population of deer in a forest has a carrying capacity ($$K) of 500. If $$the current population size ($$N) is 400 $$and the intrinsic rate of increase ($$r) is 0.1$$, what is the expected change in population size according to the logistic growth model?

Accepted Answer

$$dN/dt = 0.1 	imes 400 	imes (1 - 400/500) = 8$$

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an interspecific interaction?

Accepted Answer

A parasite infecting a host from a different species.

Question 15

Which statement best describes community ecology?

Accepted Answer

The study of how populations of different species interact within a shared environment.

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely increase biological diversity in a community?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of a keystone species.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible reason for why biological diversity varies among communities?

Accepted Answer

Differences in climate and resource availability.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes stabilizing selection?

Accepted Answer

Selection that favors intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of how climate can affect population density?

Accepted Answer

A drought reduces water availability, causing a decline in plant populations.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a real-world example of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A large population maintains stable allele frequencies due to random mating.

Study Notes: Evolution, Population Genetics, and Community Ecology

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