Population Dynamics Notation

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Which factor is MOST important in determining the priority of a population for conservation investment?

Conservation status and threats

Habitat quality and connectivity

Genetic diversity

Effective population size (correct)

How does habitat fragmentation affect the genetic diversity of a population?

Habitat fragmentation increases genetic diversity by promoting gene flow between isolated populations.

Habitat fragmentation has no effect on genetic diversity, as long as the total population size remains the same.

Habitat fragmentation increases genetic diversity by allowing for the emergence of new, genetically distinct subpopulations.

Habitat fragmentation decreases genetic diversity by limiting gene flow and increasing the risk of inbreeding. (correct)

If two populations have the same total population size, which one would be a higher priority for conservation investment?

The population with higher food availability and more shelter resources.

The population with lower population density and higher reproductive output.

The population with higher genetic diversity and more connectivity to other populations. (correct)

The population with lower genetic diversity and less connectivity to other populations.

How does food availability affect the population density of a species?

Increased food availability leads to higher population density due to reduced intraspecific competition. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following populations would be the LOWEST priority for conservation investment?

A population of 10 individuals with low genetic diversity and low-quality habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What do species associated with K-selected traits prioritize in offspring?

Strong parental care Signup and view all the answers

In the logistic growth model, what happens to population growth as it approaches the carrying capacity?

It slows down and eventually levels off Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor influences the carrying capacity of a habitat?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

Why does the rate of population growth decrease as it nears the carrying capacity?

Competition for resources and limited space increase Signup and view all the answers

What type of growth model represents species that prioritize quality over quantity in offspring?

Logistic growth model Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between carrying capacity (KK) and population growth rate?

Population growth rate is negative when the population size exceeds the carrying capacity, due to resource limitations. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most likely to decrease the carrying capacity of a habitat for a particular species?

Habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity between patches. Signup and view all the answers

If a population is at its carrying capacity, what is the expected relationship between its birth rate and death rate?

Birth rate and death rate are equal, resulting in a stable population size. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most likely to increase the minimum dynamic area (MDA) required for a viable population of a species?

Reduced genetic diversity within the population. Signup and view all the answers

If a population is experiencing density-dependent effects due to high population density, which of the following is most likely to occur?

Increased mortality rates and decreased reproductive output. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT accounted for in the exponential growth model?

Competition between individuals Signup and view all the answers

In the logistic growth model, what does the parameter 'K' represent?

Maximum number of individuals a habitat can support sustainably Signup and view all the answers

Which type of species is the exponential growth model often associated with?

r-selected species Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for the exponential growth model?

$N(t) = N(0) * e^{rt}$ Signup and view all the answers

How is the intrinsic rate of population growth 'r' calculated in the exponential growth model?

$r = b - d$ Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT directly influence the carrying capacity (K) of a species in a given environment?

The species' intrinsic growth rate Signup and view all the answers

In the logistic population growth model, when does the population growth rate start to decline?

When the population size is at half the carrying capacity (K/2) Signup and view all the answers

If the birth rate (b) is greater than the death rate (d) in a population, what can be inferred about the population growth?

The population will increase exponentially Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) intended to achieve?

Allow for the long-term sustainable harvest of the resource Signup and view all the answers

In conservation efforts, why are population models important?

To understand population dynamics and inform management strategies Signup and view all the answers

In a population where resources are limited, which of the following factors is most likely to increase intraspecific competition?

An increase in the total number of individuals (N(t)) Signup and view all the answers

If the finite multiplication rate (λ) is greater than 1, what can be inferred about the population?

The population is increasing over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms represents the average number of offspring produced by a female individual at a specific age?

bx Signup and view all the answers

If food availability decreases in a population, which of the following is likely to be affected first?

The age-specific birth rate (bx) Signup and view all the answers

If the age-specific birth rate (bx) is high for a particular age class, and the proportion of individuals surviving to the next age class (sx) is low, what can be inferred about the population dynamics?

The population is experiencing high reproductive output but low survival rates. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key parameter in the logistic growth model that represents the maximum sustainable population size?

Carrying capacity (K) Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest rate at which a population can grow under ideal conditions, with abundant resources and no limiting factors?

Maximum growth rate (r) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fisheries management, forestry, and wildlife management, what concept aims to find a balance between resource extraction and conservation?

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered when determining the minimum viable population (MVP) of a species?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

In a population growth model, what factor represents the point at which the population growth rate levels off due to limited resources?