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What defines a population in ecological terms?
Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor affecting a population?
What is the 'biotic potential' of a species?
Which of the following would be considered a limiting factor in population dynamics?
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What does 'density-dependent factor' refer to in population dynamics?
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Which of the following best describes an ecosystem?
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What typically happens to populations when ideal conditions are maintained?
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Which of the following represents abiotic factors impacting populations?
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What characterizes exponential population growth?
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What is the current population density of Canada as stated?
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What has been a significant trend in global population growth since the mid-1800s?
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What are the two root causes of global environmental problems identified?
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What is the consequence of overpopulation as described?
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What is the relationship called when both species benefit from the interaction?
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Which risk category describes a species that is no longer found in the wild in Canada but exists elsewhere?
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Where is Canada's population primarily concentrated?
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What type of interaction occurs when one organism, the parasite, derives nourishment from another organism, the host, which is harmed?
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What must be improved to address human overpopulation?
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What does overpopulation complicate in terms of resources?
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What happens to populations that fall below a critical threshold regarding endangerment or extinction?
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Which of the following is an example of commensalism?
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What does the term 'environmental resistance' refer to?
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Which of the following species is classified as endangered due to habitat loss and high predation rates?
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Which category of species status indicates that there is insufficient scientific information to support a designation?
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What defines a density-independent factor in population ecology?
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What is the primary role of environmental resistance in population dynamics?
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What does carrying capacity refer to in an ecosystem?
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How can carrying capacity be altered?
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Which of the following is an abiotic limiting factor?
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What is the difference between intraspecies and interspecies competition?
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Which of the following correctly describes limiting factors in an environment?
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How does environmental degradation impact carrying capacity?
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Study Notes
Ecology & Population Dynamics
- Ecology: Study of interactions between organisms and their living and non-living environment.
- Abiotic Factors: Non-living factors influencing organisms (e.g., temperature, sunlight, water).
- Biotic Factors: Living factors influencing organisms (e.g., predators, prey, competition).
- Population: Group of organisms of the same species living in a particular area.
- Population Dynamics: Studies changes in population sizes and the factors influencing them.
Biotic Potential & Limiting Factors
- Biotic Potential: Maximum rate of reproduction a species can achieve under ideal conditions with unlimited resources.
- Limiting Factors: Environmental factors that restrict population growth (e.g., food, shelter, predators, disease).
- Density Dependent Factors: Factors that impact a population based on its density (e.g., predation, competition).
- Density Independent Factors: Factors that impact a population regardless of its density (e.g., natural disasters, climate change).
Carrying Capacity
- Carrying Capacity: Maximum number of individuals a specific environment can sustainably support.
- Dynamic Carrying Capacity: Can be altered by technology or environmental changes.
- Environmental Resistance: Limiting factors that reduce population growth rate.
Examples of Limiting Factors
- Abiotic Limiting Factors: Chemical/mineral availability, climate, energy supply.
- Biotic Limiting Factors: Competition (intra- and interspecies), invasive species, predation, symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism).
Tracking Populations & Conservation Status
- Tracking Populations: Field ecologists monitor population sizes for wildlife management and conservation.
- Seven Risk Categories: Extinct, Extirpated, Endangered, Threatened, Special Concern, Not at Risk, Data Deficient.
Human Population Dynamics
- Exponential Growth: Human population has grown rapidly in recent centuries.
- Population Density: The number of individuals per unit area (Canada's density is 3.5 people/square kilometer).
- Consumption Crisis: Developed countries consume a disproportionate share of global resources.
- Overpopulation: Human population exceeding Earth's carrying capacity.
- Consequences of Overpopulation: Strain on resources, environmental damage, and threats to human health and wildlife.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the basics of ecology and population dynamics. This quiz covers key concepts such as biotic and abiotic factors, population structures, and the factors that influence population growth. Perfect for students studying ecology or environmental science!