Population Ecology

What is the study of Population Ecology primarily concerned with?

• Individual organisms

• Groups of organisms of the same species

• Ecosystems

• Biomes

Answer explanation

Population Ecology focuses on groups of organisms of the same species, studying their dynamics, distribution, and interactions within their environment, rather than individual organisms or broader ecological levels like ecosystems or biomes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS2-8

In Population Ecology, a group of penguins living together in a specific area is an example of a _______.

• Community

• Population

• Ecosystem

• Biome

Answer explanation

In Population Ecology, a group of the same species, like penguins, living in a specific area is defined as a population. A community includes different species, while an ecosystem encompasses both living and non-living components.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

What is a population?

• A group of organisms of different species living in the same place

• A group of organisms of the same species living in the same place at the same time

• A single organism living in isolation

• A community of different species.

Answer explanation

A population specifically refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same place at the same time, distinguishing it from communities or groups of different species.

What causes a population increase?

• A) Births and immigration

• B) Deaths and emigration

• C) Births and emigration

• D) Deaths and immigration

Answer explanation

A population increases when there are more births and immigration than deaths and emigration. Thus, option A) Births and immigration correctly identifies the factors that lead to population growth.

Fill in the blank: The two main types of population growth graphs are Exponential Growth and ________.

• A) Linear Growth

• B) Logistic Growth

• C) Circular Growth

• D) Random Growth

Answer explanation

The two main types of population growth graphs are Exponential Growth and Logistic Growth. Logistic Growth accounts for environmental limits, unlike Exponential Growth, which assumes unlimited resources.

What is the shape of the curve that represents exponential growth?

• A) S Curve

• B) J Curve

• C) L Curve

• D) U Curve

Answer explanation

The curve representing exponential growth is known as the J Curve. It starts slowly, then rises sharply, illustrating how quantities can grow rapidly over time, unlike the S, L, or U curves which represent different growth patterns.

Why were the rabbits on the island able to grow exponentially?

• Abundant food supply

• Lack of predators

• Favorable climate

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

The rabbits on the island were able to grow exponentially due to an abundant food supply, lack of predators, and a favorable climate. All these factors combined created ideal conditions for rapid population growth.

What factors could limit the rabbit population size on the island?

• Predation

• Disease

• Limited food resources

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

The rabbit population size on the island can be limited by predation, disease, and limited food resources. All these factors can significantly impact their survival and reproduction, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-1

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

What is an invasive species?

• A native species to a specific location

• A plant or animal that is non-native to a specific location

• A species that has predators

• A species with a balanced niche.

Answer explanation

An invasive species is defined as a plant or animal that is non-native to a specific location. This means it can disrupt local ecosystems, unlike native species that are adapted to their environment.

Fill in the blank: Invasive species may have no ______, leading to exponential growth.

• Predators

• Food

• Shelter

• Water

Answer explanation

Invasive species may thrive without natural predators to control their population, allowing them to reproduce rapidly and grow exponentially. Thus, the correct answer is 'Predators'.