Ecology Unit 5 Mastery Test

Questions and Answers

What is the measurement of a population per unit area?

population density

Overcrowding is an example of?

density dependent factor

What is a survivorship curve?

It shows the number of individuals living at each age interval plotted versus time. It helps to compare life histories of different populations.

What is random population distribution?

Haphazardly located individuals, with no pattern. Signup and view all the answers

What is clustered population distribution?

Many people are living in a small area. Signup and view all the answers

What is scattered population distribution?

A population distribution when a small amount of people are living in a big area. Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction is Claire trying to find in nature?

Apparent competition Signup and view all the answers

What is commensalism?

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected. Signup and view all the answers

What is predation?

An interaction in which one organism kills another for food. Signup and view all the answers

What is exploitation competition?

Organisms compete indirectly through the consumption of a limited resource. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism?

A relationship between two species in which both species benefit. Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism?

A relationship between two organisms of different species where one benefits and the other is harmed. Signup and view all the answers

What are habitats?

Regions in the environment that provide basic needs, such as food, shelter, mates for reproduction, and protection. Signup and view all the answers

If the predictions about fertility rates hold true, will food insecurity increase or decrease?

Increase Signup and view all the answers

According to United Nations predictions, what will be the total population of the world by 2100?

11 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains the collapse of fishing industries due to garbage dumping?

Tragedy of the commons theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is included under land use?

Applying pesticides Signup and view all the answers

In which types of countries is the human population increasing sharply?

Underdeveloped countries Signup and view all the answers

Which factor could have contributed to the decrease in death rates in the United States from 1930 to 2015?

Better medical facilities and treatments Signup and view all the answers

What type of species conservation method is being used to broaden the gene pool of the Greater Bamboo Lemur?

Assisted reproduction method Signup and view all the answers

What is in-situ conservation?

On-site conservation of genetic resources in natural populations. Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves breeding animals in a controlled environment?

Captive breeding Signup and view all the answers

Which of these activities doesn't imply poaching of wildlife?

Breeding Signup and view all the answers

Which method will help biologists prevent the extinction of a species by protecting a minimum number of animals?

Establishing wildlife management areas Signup and view all the answers

The black softshell turtle is classified under which level of threat?

Extinct in the wild Signup and view all the answers

What is the threat to rats?

Loss of food grains Signup and view all the answers

What is the threat to deer?

Collision with cars Signup and view all the answers

What is the threat to cougars?

Threat to livestock Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population Concepts

Population Density: Measurement of individuals per unit area, indicating how crowded a region is.
Density Dependent Factor: Examples include overcrowding, which affects population dynamics.

Survivorship Curves

Definition: Graphical representation showing the number of individuals at each age interval over time.
Purpose: Compares life histories across species like birds, frogs, and humans; also referred to as a mortality table.

Population Distribution Patterns

Random Distribution: Individuals are haphazardly located with no discernible pattern.
Clustered Distribution: Many individuals reside in a small area, often due to resource availability.
Scattered Distribution: Individuals live far apart in a large area, indicating limited resources like food and shelter.

Ecological Interactions

Apparent Competition: A situation that Claire, an ecologist, struggles to identify due to indirect competition amidst changing environmental factors.
Commensalism: A type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other remains unaffected.
Predation: Interaction in which one organism kills another for sustenance.
Exploitation Competition: Indirect competition for limited resources; organisms compete without direct interaction.
Mutualism: Relationship benefiting both species involved.
Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of another.

Habitats and Basic Needs

Habitats: Regions providing essential resources for survival, including food, shelter, and mating opportunities.

Population Trends and Impacts

Rising Fertility Rates: A trend indicating that population increases could lead to food insecurity, predicted to rise to six children per woman.
United Nations Population Prediction: Expectation of 11 billion global population by 2100.

Environmental Challenges

Tragedy of the Commons: Theory explaining ecological degradation, such as ocean pollution impacting fisheries.
Land Use: Applying pesticides is part of land use practices impacting agricultural and ecological health.

Demographic Insights

Developing Countries: Sharp population increases predominantly occur in underdeveloped regions.
Decreased Death Rates: Significant reduction attributed to improved medical facilities and treatments.

Conservation Approaches

Assisted Reproduction: Method used to increase genetic diversity in endangered species, such as the Greater Bamboo Lemur.
In-Situ Conservation: Conserves genetic resources in natural populations, such as forests or wildlife habitats.
Captive Breeding: Breeding animals in a controlled setting to enhance population numbers.
Wildlife Management Areas: Establishing protected zones to support conservation efforts.

Threats to Species

Greater Bamboo Lemur: Currently only 200 exist, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.
Black Softshell Turtle: Classified as extinct in the wild; only survives in artificial settings.
Threats to Species:
- Rats: Facing food scarcity.
- Deer: Vulnerable to vehicular collisions.
- Cougars: Threatened due to livestock conflicts.

Wildlife Protection

Non-Poaching Activities: Breeding does not constitute poaching, contrasting it with hunting, capturing, and trading wildlife.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of ecology in Unit 5. This mastery test includes important definitions such as population density and survivorship curves, along with relevant factors affecting these concepts. Prepare to enhance your understanding of ecological principles and factors influencing populations.