Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The fundamental niche is the range of resources a species can use in the absence of competitors, while the realized niche is the range it actually uses in the presence of competitors.

Question 2

According to the competitive exclusion principle, what is the likely outcome if two species have completely overlapping niches?

Accepted Answer

One species will outcompete the other, leading to the extinction of the weaker competitor.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the logistic growth of a population as shown in the first image?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

In the context of interspecific competition, what is character displacement?

Accepted Answer

An evolutionary change in species traits that reduces niche overlap and competition.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a +/+ interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 6

If two plant species have overlapping root depths but one is a stronger competitor, what is likely to happen to the weaker species?

Accepted Answer

It will shift to a realized niche that excludes the overlapping region.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes asymmetric competition?

Accepted Answer

One species suffers a much greater fitness decline than the other.

Question 8

A tick feeding on a mammal is an example of which type of interaction?

Accepted Answer

Parasitism

Question 9

Which of the following is a short-term impact of species interactions?

Accepted Answer

Distribution and abundance of species

Question 10

In the context of resource partitioning, what is the predicted evolutionary outcome for two competing species?

Accepted Answer

They will differentiate their niches to reduce competition.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a type of consumption interaction?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 12

If two bird species compete for seeds of intermediate size, what is likely to happen over evolutionary time?

Accepted Answer

Both species will evolve to consume different seed sizes, reducing overlap.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots?

Accepted Answer

The fungi provide water and minerals to the plant, and the plant provides sugars to the fungi.

Question 14

Which of the following equations describes exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?

Accepted Answer

Competition for food as population size increases

Question 16

What is the likely outcome if two species are equally good competitors for a resource and their niches overlap?

Accepted Answer

Both species will have low fitness in the overlapping region.

Question 17

Which of the following is a long-term impact of species interactions?

Accepted Answer

Co-evolution of interacting species

Question 18

Which of the following best describes predation?

Accepted Answer

A +/- interaction where one organism kills and consumes another

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning?

Accepted Answer

Two plant species evolving different root depths to access water

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of an evolutionary arms race between predator and prey?

Accepted Answer

Prey evolve better defenses while predators evolve more efficient hunting strategies

Species Interactions: Competition, Consumption, and Mutualism

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