Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of carrying capacity ($$K) in $$population ecology?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely, given the available resources.

Question 2

In the logistic growth equation $$\displaystyle \frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$, what does the term $$\left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of resources remaining as the population grows.

Question 3

A population of reindeer introduced to an island initially grows rapidly, then overshoots the carrying capacity and crashes. What is the most likely explanation for this pattern?

Accepted Answer

The population grew rapidly due to abundant resources, but then depleted those resources, causing a crash.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a top-down control in a predator-prey system?

Accepted Answer

An increase in lynx population causes a decrease in hare population.

Question 5

In the hare-lynx population cycle, what typically happens to the lynx population after the hare population crashes?

Accepted Answer

The lynx population crashes due to lack of food.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche?

Accepted Answer

A fundamental niche is the range of resources a species could use without competition, while a realized niche is the range it actually uses due to competition.

Question 7

Which of the following interactions is correctly matched with its fitness effects on the two interacting species?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism: (+/+)

Question 8

If two species compete for the same limited resource and one is excluded from the habitat, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Competitive exclusion

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park caused a trophic cascade?

Accepted Answer

Wolves reduced elk populations, which allowed vegetation to recover, affecting many other species.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of intraspecific competition?

Accepted Answer

Two male lions competing for territory.

Question 11

Which equation best describes exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

Which of the following factors is most likely to cause a decrease in human population growth rate according to current projections?

Accepted Answer

Increased education and access to family planning

Question 13

Which of the following best describes amensalism?

Accepted Answer

One species is harmed, the other is unaffected (-/0)

Question 14

A population of Paramecium caudatum in a laboratory shows a sigmoidal (S-shaped) growth curve. What does this indicate about the population's growth?

Accepted Answer

The population experiences density-dependent growth and levels off at carrying capacity.

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely outcome of resource partitioning between two competing species?

Accepted Answer

Both species evolve to use different resources, reducing competition.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the relationship between species richness, evenness, and community resilience?

Accepted Answer

High species richness and evenness generally increase community resilience.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

Accepted Answer

A bird nesting in a tree without affecting the tree.

Question 18

If a keystone species is removed from a community, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

There is a significant change in the abundance and diversity of other species.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes bottom-up control in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The abundance of primary producers (e.g., plants) determines the abundance of higher trophic levels.

Population Dynamics and Community Ecology: Study Notes

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard