Population Ecology and Conservation Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What do the terms 'fine filter' and 'coarse filter' approaches mean?

The fine filter approach focuses on protecting specific species or habitats, while the coarse filter approach aims to protect entire ecosystems and their processes.

What are proximate, ultimate, deterministic, and stochastic factors?

Proximate factors are immediate causes of a behavior or event, ultimate factors are the evolutionary reasons for a behavior or event, deterministic factors are predictable and certain, and stochastic factors are random and unpredictable.

Be able to define PVA and MVP. What are PVAs used for? What are the most recent estimates for MVPs?

PVA stands for Population Viability Analysis, used to predict the likelihood of a population's extinction. MVP stands for Minimum Viable Population, and the most recent estimates for MVPs range from a few hundred to a few thousand individuals.

What are the main differences between deterministic, stochastic, and spatially explicit population models? Be able to classify a given example as one of these types.

Deterministic models predict population growth with fixed parameters, stochastic models incorporate randomness and variability, and spatially explicit models consider spatial structure and connectivity. An example of a deterministic model is the exponential growth model. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a census and a survey? What is eDNA? Review the concept of metapopulation.

A census aims to count every individual in a population, while a survey estimates population size using a sample. eDNA refers to environmental DNA, genetic material obtained directly from environmental samples. A metapopulation consists of a network of interconnected subpopulations. Signup and view all the answers

What do the 'fine filter' and 'coarse filter' approaches mean?

The 'fine filter' approach focuses on protecting specific species or habitats, while the 'coarse filter' approach aims to protect a broad range of species and habitats through ecosystem-level conservation. Signup and view all the answers

What are proximate, ultimate, deterministic, and stochastic factors?

Proximate factors are immediate causes of behavior or events, ultimate factors are evolutionary explanations for behavior or events, deterministic factors are predictable and certain, and stochastic factors are random and unpredictable. Signup and view all the answers

Be able to define PVA and MVP. What are PVAs used for?

PVA stands for Population Viability Analysis, used to predict the likelihood of a population's extinction. MVP stands for Minimum Viable Population, the smallest population size that can ensure the long-term survival of a species in its environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main differences between deterministic, stochastic, and spatially explicit population models?

Deterministic models use fixed parameters, stochastic models incorporate randomness, and spatially explicit models consider spatial variation in population dynamics and environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a census and a survey?

A census aims to count every individual in a population, while a survey collects data from a subset of the population to make inferences about the whole. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conservation Biology Approaches

Fine filter approach: focuses on individual species or small groups of species to conserve
Coarse filter approach: focuses on conserving entire ecosystems or landscapes

Factors in Conservation Biology

Proximate factors: immediate causes of population decline or extinction (e.g. habitat destruction, hunting)
Ultimate factors: underlying causes of population decline or extinction (e.g. human population growth, climate change)
Deterministic factors: non-random, predictable factors affecting population dynamics (e.g. birth and death rates)
Stochastic factors: random, unpredictable factors affecting population dynamics (e.g. natural disasters, disease outbreaks)

Population Viability Analysis (PVA)

A method to predict the extinction risk of a species
Used to identify conservation priorities and evaluate management strategies

Minimum Viable Population (MVP)

The smallest population size required for a species to survive in the long term
Recent estimates suggest MVPs range from 500 to 5,000 individuals

Population Models

Deterministic models: predict population dynamics based on fixed rates and probabilities
Stochastic models: account for random events and uncertainty in population dynamics
Spatially explicit models: incorporate spatial factors and habitat heterogeneity into population dynamics

Population Monitoring

Census: a comprehensive count of all individuals in a population
Survey: a sample of individuals in a population to estimate population size or trends
eDNA (Environmental DNA): genetic material collected from environmental samples to monitor species presence

Metapopulation

A group of subpopulations that are connected by migration and exchange of individuals

Conservation Management Approaches

Single species approach: focuses on conserving a single species
Species community approach: focuses on conserving multiple species that interact with each other
Ecological process approach: focuses on conserving ecological processes and functions
Landscape approach: focuses on conserving entire landscapes and ecosystems

Landscape Ecology

Patch: a discrete area of habitat
Matrix: the surrounding habitat that is not suitable for the species
Edge: the boundary between two habitats
Corridor: a connecting habitat that allows species movement
Network: a system of connected habitats
Gradients: changes in environmental conditions across a landscape

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Description

Test your knowledge of population ecology and conservation biology with this quiz. Explore concepts such as fine filter and coarse filter approaches, proximate and ultimate factors, deterministic and stochastic models, PVA, and MVP. Identify and define these concepts, and understand their significance in population ecology and conservation efforts.