Population Ecology

The black rhinoceros is a mammal found in Africa. Weighing in at up to 1,350 kg, these rhinos can live roughly 35 years. Gestation in the black rhino lasts for 15-16 months, with calves staying under the mother’s parental care for up to four years.

Black rhinos have been hunted extensively by humans for their horns. Poaching pressure has reduced the black rhino population to an endangered level. Ongoing efforts are attempting to save the animal from extinction.

How can the black rhino survivorship strategy be categorized?

• K-selection, type I

• K-selection, type III

• r-selection, type I

• r-selection, type III

In 1976, the dominant finch on Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands was the medium ground finch, with a population of 1,200. In 1977, a drought struck the island negatively affecting most of the vegetation. As a result, the population of medium ground finch dropped to 180 due to starvation. In 1983, however, a large amount of rainfall fell on the island creating optimal conditions for vegetation. The medium ground finch population increased to 1,100. What type of factor affected medium ground finch populations in 1977 and 1983?

• Density independent

• Logistic

• Density dependent

• Biotic

In 1976, the dominant finch on Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands was the medium ground finch, with a population of 1,200. In 1977, a drought struck the island negatively affecting most of the vegetation. As a result, the population of medium ground finch dropped to 180 due to starvation. In 1983, however, a large amount of rainfall fell on the island creating optimal conditions for vegetation. The medium ground finch population increased to 1,100. After the rainfall of 1983, what type of population growth did the medium ground finch experience?

• Logistic

• Quantitative

• Exponential

• Abiotic

Which letter shows the the exponential growth of a population?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Which point on the graph represents carrying capacity?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Refer to a population of 500 that experiences 55 births and 5 deaths during a one year period.
If the population maintains the current growth pattern, a plot of its growth would resemble which of the following?

• exponential growth
• fluctuating growth
• K-selected growth
• logistic growth

__________ growth shows growth of a population under environmental constraints (carrying capacity-K) that sets a maximum population size 

• logistic
• exponential
• niche
• uniform

These types of organisms which multiply rapidly in numbers 

• R-strategists
• K-strategists
• predators
• mutualists

________ grow slowly over time, cares for its young over a long period of time and is usually near the carrying capacity of its ecosystem.

• K-strategists
• R-strategists
• Uniform strategists
• environmentalists

Refer to the diagram of the survivorship curve.
Which best describes an organism that fertilizes externally?

• A
• B
• C
• this is not a survivorship curve