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Questions and Answers
In an ecosystem experiencing a sudden increase in the hawk population, which of the following is the most likely short-term effect on the sparrow population?
In an ecosystem experiencing a sudden increase in the hawk population, which of the following is the most likely short-term effect on the sparrow population?
- The sparrow population will remain stable as sparrows adapt to the increased predator presence.
- The sparrow population will likely decrease due to increased predation by hawks. (correct)
- The sparrow population will migrate to other areas, avoiding the increased hawk population.
- The sparrow population will likely increase due to the hawks' increased presence.
If a disease drastically reduces the grasshopper population in a field, which of the following is the most likely immediate effect on the rat population that relies on grasshoppers as a primary food source?
If a disease drastically reduces the grasshopper population in a field, which of the following is the most likely immediate effect on the rat population that relies on grasshoppers as a primary food source?
- The rat population will decrease due to a shortage of their primary food source. (correct)
- The rat population will evolve to digest other food sources.
- The rat population will remain stable by switching to an alternative food source immediately.
- The rat population will increase due to reduced competition for resources.
A stable shark population in a marine ecosystem suggests which of the following conditions is most likely occurring?
A stable shark population in a marine ecosystem suggests which of the following conditions is most likely occurring?
- The birth rate of sharks is significantly higher than their death rate.
- The death rate of sharks is significantly higher than their birth rate.
- The birth and death rates of sharks are approximately balanced. (correct)
- Migration rates are significantly impacting the shark population numbers.
Suppose a new regulation protects snails, leading to a significant increase in their population. What is the most likely effect on the perch population that feeds on snails?
Suppose a new regulation protects snails, leading to a significant increase in their population. What is the most likely effect on the perch population that feeds on snails?
Imagine a scenario where a pesticide drastically reduces the aphid population in an agricultural area. What is the most likely short-term effect on the ant population that relies on aphids for honeydew?
Imagine a scenario where a pesticide drastically reduces the aphid population in an agricultural area. What is the most likely short-term effect on the ant population that relies on aphids for honeydew?
Flashcards
Population Increase
Population Increase
More births than deaths lead to population growth.
Population Decrease
Population Decrease
More deaths than births cause the population to shrink.
Predator Increase Effect
Predator Increase Effect
Increased predators reduce prey numbers.
Prey Decrease Effect
Prey Decrease Effect
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Stable Populations
Stable Populations
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Study Notes
Population Growth/Decline
- Populations increase when births exceed deaths (e.g., sharks, panthers).
- Populations decrease when deaths exceed births (e.g., deer, rats, sparrows).
Predator-Prey Relationships
- Predator populations increasing (e.g., hawks, wolves) leads to a decrease in prey populations (e.g., sparrows, deer).
- Declines in prey (e.g., grasshoppers, snails) result in less food for predators, causing predator populations (e.g., rats, perch) to decrease.
Energy Flow
- Increased food for prey (e.g., snails, flies) allows prey populations (e.g., perch, spiders) to have more energy for reproduction, thus increasing in population.
- Reduction in prey's food supply (e.g., smaller grasshopper or snail populations) results in predator populations decreasing due to less energy availability.
Stability & Effects
- Stable populations are maintained by balanced birth and death rates, as seen in stable squirrel or shark populations.
- Changes in one population (e.g., decrease in aphids or grasshoppers) cause ripple effects, impacting other linked populations in the ecosystem (e.g., ants, rats, or perch).
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Description
Explore population dynamics focusing on predator-prey relationships and energy flow. Learn how birth and death rates affect population size, and how changes in one population impact others through the food chain. Discover the factors influencing ecological stability.
