Ecology: Predator-Prey Interactions
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of modeling predator-prey interactions?

  • To eliminate predators.
  • To create artificial habitats.
  • To predict outcomes or explain patterns. (correct)
  • To demonstrate a food chain.

    • Empirical evidence is concerned with observation and experience rather than theory.

    True

    What indicates top-down control in an ecosystem according to the studies on spiders and lizards?

    The presence of predators decreases the number of prey.

    Theoretical modeling in ecology primarily involves __________ methods.

    <p>conceptual or mathematical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Empirical = Based on observation and experience Theoretical = Based on models and simulations Top-down control = Predator affects prey population Bottom-up control = Resource availability affects population size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What research method was used when spiders were introduced to islands with and without lizards?

    <p>Experimental manipulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study by Schoener and Toft observed that islands with predators had more orb spiders than those without.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence supported the concept of top-down control in the study of spiders and lizards?

    <p>The large difference in orb spider populations between islands with and without lizards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary goals of modeling predator-prey interactions?

    <p>To predict outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Empirical evidence in ecology is based solely on theoretical assumptions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does top-down control refer to in population regulation?

    <p>Regulation of prey populations by the presence of predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study conducted by Schoener and Toft suggested that islands without lizards have __________ orb spiders.

    <p>more</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Empirical = Based on observation or experience Theoretical = Based on conceptual or mathematical models Top-down control = Population regulation by predators Bottom-up control = Population regulation by resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the experimental manipulation involving spiders, what was the key variable being tested?

    <p>Effect of lizards on spider populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Natural experiments can provide empirical support for theoretical models.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the observation regarding orb spiders on islands with lizards?

    <p>Fewer orb spiders were observed on islands with lizards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study by Schoener and Toft used __________ manipulation to observe spider populations.

    <p>experimental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between spiders and lizards as found in the study?

    <p>Lizards exert top-down control over spider populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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