Ecology and Population Dynamics Quiz

Study Notes

Invasive Species

Invasive species disrupt ecological communities and threaten native species
The silver carp is an invasive species that poses a danger to boaters and native fish populations

Population Dynamics

Population size and composition fluctuate in response to environmental changes, disasters, and competition
Demography, the statistical study of populations, uses mathematical tools to describe population change
Life tables help determine life expectancy, which was initially used by life insurance companies

Population Size Estimation

Determining population size by counting every individual can be challenging
Scientists use various methods, including quadrat sampling and mark-recapture, to estimate population size
The mark-recapture method estimates population size based on marked individuals recaptured in a second sample

Distribution Patterns

Distribution patterns describe the distribution of individuals within a habitat
Random distribution occurs when individuals are dispersed randomly
Clumped distribution occurs when individuals are clustered together
Uniform distribution occurs when individuals are equally spaced apart

Population growth models

The exponential growth model describes populations that grow rapidly without limits
The logistic growth model accounts for limited resources and carrying capacity
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can sustain
Intraspecific competition, competition among members of the same species for resources, intensifies when resources are limited
Populations fluctuate around carrying capacity in a cyclical pattern

Community Ecology

Species interactions create ecological communities
Community diversity is the variety and relative abundance of species in a habitat
Predator-prey relationships are a classic example of species interaction
Predator-prey cycles involve fluctuations in population sizes
The lynx-snowshoe hare cycle is a well-known example, with the predator population lagging behind the prey population
Predation and predator avoidance drive evolutionary adaptations

Defense Mechanisms

Species have evolved various defense mechanisms to avoid predation and herbivory
Mechanical defenses include armor and thorns
Chemical defenses involve toxic compounds
Physical defenses include camouflage and coloration
Warning coloration signals predators that prey is distasteful or poisonous
Mimicry allows harmless species to avoid predation by imitating the warning coloration of harmful species

Ecological Niche

Every species occupies a unique ecological niche, defined by its resource use and interactions with other species
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche
Competition for shared resources drives evolution and can lead to extinction

Symbiosis

Symbiotic relationships involve close, long-term interactions between different species
Commensalism benefits one species without harming the other
Mutualism benefits both species
Parasitism benefits one species while harming the other

Mutualism

Termites and gut protists: Termites benefit from protists digesting cellulose, which they cannot do themselves. Protists benefit from a protected environment and consistent food supply.
Lichens: Fungus and algae or cyanobacteria form a symbiotic relationship. The algae provides glucose for both organisms, while the fungus protects algae from elements and provides more accessible nutrients.

Parasitism

Parasites benefit, while hosts are harmed.
Hosts are weakened by parasites siphoning resources.
Parasites may kill hosts, but often have complex reproductive cycles to allow reproduction before harming host.
Tapeworms: Live in human intestines and consume host's food.
Plasmodium falciparum: Protists that cause malaria, spread through mosquitoes and humans.

Communities

Complex systems characterized by structure (population size and interactions) and dynamics (changes over time).

Biodiversity

Species richness: The number of species in an area. Varies across the globe, with higher richness near the equator and lower near the poles.
Island biogeography: Explains species richness on isolated islands, with relationships between species richness, island size, and distance from mainland.

Foundation Species

Have a significant influence on community structure.
Usually abundant organisms, often primary producers.
Physically modify the environment to create habitats for other organisms.
Examples: kelp, trees, coral reefs.

Keystone Species

Have inordinate influence on ecosystem structure and biodiversity.
Often maintain prevalence of various species.
Examples: Pisaster ochraceus (sea star), banded tetra (fish).

Community Dynamics

Changes in community structure and composition over time.
Often occur due to environmental disturbances like volcanoes, earthquakes, storms, fires, and climate change.
Equilibrium: Relatively constant number of species.
Succession: Sequential appearance and disappearance of species after a disturbance.

Primary Succession

Occurs on newly formed land (e.g., volcanic eruptions).
Pioneer species: Hardy organisms that colonize new land, like lichens and certain plants.
Over time, less hardy but more competitive species replace pioneer species.
Leads to an equilibrium state with a different set of organisms.

Secondary Succession

Occurs when part of an ecosystem is disturbed, but remnants of the previous community remain.
Example: Wildfire in oak and hickory forests.
Pioneer species quickly colonize the area, followed by intermediate species.
Climax community: The final, stable community that emerges after succession.

Description

Test your knowledge on invasive species, population dynamics, and distribution patterns within ecological communities. This quiz covers key concepts such as estimation methods, demography, and more. Dive into the intricacies of how populations interact with their environments.

Ecology and Population Dynamics Quiz

Podcast Beta

Questions and Answers

What major risk does the presence of silver carp pose to river ecosystems in the United States?

Which method is most commonly used for estimating population size when counting every individual is impractical?

What is demography in the context of ecological studies?

How do seasonal and yearly changes in the environment affect populations?

Which tool was initially developed to assist insurance companies in assessing risk, but has applications in studying all living populations?

Which of the following best describes a clumped distribution pattern in populations?

What is a primary assumption of the mark and recapture method in estimating population size?

In which scenario would you expect to observe logistic growth in a population?

What characterizes exponential growth in a biological context?

Which factor does NOT typically influence the sampling method required for estimating a population's density?