Population Ecology Overview
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Questions and Answers

What initiates the pioneer stage of primary succession?

  • Annual plants
  • Soil formation
  • Lichen (correct)
  • Large trees

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of the climax community?

  • High biodiversity
  • Large herbivores
  • Presence of only one plant species (correct)
  • Constant small changes

In which stage of secondary succession do pioneer species begin to establish?

  • Climax stage
  • Pioneer stage (correct)
  • Decomposition stage
  • Intermediate stage

What influences the types of organisms found in the climax community?

<p>Environmental factors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of ecosystem would likely develop in a hot and dry environment during climax community formation?

<p>Semi-desert (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does the soil become thicker and more nutritious in both primary and secondary succession?

<p>Intermediate stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be a primary pioneer species?

<p>Lichen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of larger animal is typically found in the climax community?

<p>Antelope (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does population ecology primarily focus on?

<p>The size changes in a population and the factors regulating these changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes carrying capacity?

<p>The maximum number of individuals that the environment can support at any time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Density dependent limiting factors are characterized by which of the following?

<p>The increased competition for resources as population density rises (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase follows the exponential growth phase in a population's growth process?

<p>Decelerating growth phase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a group of organisms of the same species that occupy a given area?

<p>Population (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a population parameter that influences its size?

<p>Biodiversity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of limiting factor includes natural disasters and climate conditions?

<p>Density independent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage represents a fluctuation around carrying capacity in population growth?

<p>Stabilisation phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecological niche?

<p>Both biotic and abiotic conditions necessary for survival (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What leads to stronger gene pools in a species?

<p>Competition for limited resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do species achieve competitive coexistence?

<p>Through temporal resource partitioning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method is suitable for estimating the size of populations with organisms that are slow-moving or stationary?

<p>Quadrat method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is resource partitioning?

<p>Separation of resources to minimize competition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the precautions necessary when using the mark-recapture method?

<p>Marking must not affect individuals' movement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation helps plants at the emergent layer of a forest?

<p>Small leaves to reduce wind resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between predator and prey populations?

<p>Predator numbers increase following an increase in prey numbers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy do giraffes and kudus use to avoid competition as coexisting herbivores?

<p>Eating from different heights in trees (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When using the Quadrat method, what is essential to ensure accurate results?

<p>Choose random quadrats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do shorebirds partition resources?

<p>Through vertical and horizontal feeding habits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula used for the Quadrat method to estimate total population size?

<p>Total population = Average number of organisms per quadrat sampled × Size of the whole habitat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the hunting habits of lions and leopards?

<p>They avoid each other by using different habitats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do predators play in maintaining biodiversity in an ecosystem?

<p>They prevent any single species from becoming overly dominant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT a precaution when employing the mark-recapture method?

<p>Capture techniques should be varied for each round (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy predator-prey dynamic, what happens when prey populations increase?

<p>Predator populations are likely to increase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impacts the biome of a climax community the most?

<p>Amount of rainfall (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does overgrazing by one species of grass have on the ecosystem?

<p>Allows other grasses to become dominant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do prey animals benefit from forming large groups?

<p>It confuses predators and reduces individual risk (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hunting strategy of African wild dogs?

<p>Chasing prey until it tires (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do wild dog packs ensure the distribution of food after a hunt?

<p>They regurgitate food at the den for young and non-hunters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilution effect in prey animals?

<p>The risk of being caught decreases with more individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social structure do wild dog packs primarily exhibit?

<p>A dominant breeding pair that mates for life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the negative impact of alien species on the ecosystem?

<p>They outcompete indigenous plants due to lack of predation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of having a dominant pair within a social group?

<p>They maintain control over the group's activities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes eusocial animals in their colonies?

<p>They rely on a dominant breeding pair or single female. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which caste in a termite colony is responsible for defending the colony?

<p>Soldiers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do worker bees contribute to the hive?

<p>By building comb cells and feeding larvae. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do drones play in a honeybee colony?

<p>Reproduce with the queen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In termite colonies, how is the ratio of castes regulated?

<p>Through chemical signals like pheromones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of worker termites in a colony?

<p>Build tunnels and forage for food. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the queen bee is true?

<p>She is the only fertile female in the colony. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Population Ecology

The study of populations and their interactions with their environment, affecting distribution and composition.

Population Size

The total number of individuals in a population.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size an environment can support.

Limiting Factors (Density Dependent)

Factors that restrict population growth based on population density.

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Limiting Factors (Density Independent)

Factors that restrict population growth irrespective of population density.

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Exponential Growth

Unrestricted population growth, often unsustainable.

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Logistical Growth

Population growth slowed by limiting factors, leveling off at carrying capacity.

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Natality vs. Mortality

Birth rate (natality) and death rate (mortality) influence population size.

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Census method (pop. size)

Directly counting every individual in a population.

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Quadrat method (pop. size)

Estimating population size by counting individuals in small areas (quadrats) then scaling up.

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Mark-recapture method (pop. size)

Estimating population size by marking and recapturing individuals.

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Predator role in ecosystem

Predators help maintain diversity by regulating prey populations.

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Predator/Prey Relationship

Negative feedback loop affecting prey and predator populations.

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Quadrat Formula (Pop. size)

Average organisms/quadrat*total habitat area = total population.

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Mark-recapture Formula (Pop. size)

Total caught 1st*Total caught 2nd/Total marked 2nd = Population estimate.

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Predator impact on prey fitness

Predators remove weak/sick/injured prey, keeping the prey population genetically fit.

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Ecological Niche

The unique set of conditions (biotic and abiotic) a species needs to survive and reproduce, along with its role in the ecosystem.

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Interspecific Competition

Competition between different species for the same limited resources.

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Competitive Coexistence

When two species can coexist by using resources differently, avoiding direct competition.

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Resource Partitioning

The evolutionary process where species with similar needs develop specialized traits to use resources differently, creating separate niches and avoiding competition.

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Temporal Resource Partitioning

Species using resources at different times of day or year to avoid competition.

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Spatial Resource Partitioning

Species using resources in different parts of the habitat to avoid competition.

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Stratification in Plants

The vertical layering of vegetation, with each layer adapted to different light levels.

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Coexisting Predators

Different predator species coexist by hunting at different times, in different areas, or consuming different prey.

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Ecological Succession

A predictable series of changes in the species structure of an ecosystem over time, leading to a stable climax community.

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Primary Succession

Ecological succession starting on bare rock or land devoid of soil, with pioneers like lichens slowly building soil.

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Pioneer Stage

The initial stage of succession, characterized by hardy species like lichens and mosses that can colonize harsh conditions.

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Intermediate Stage

The stage of succession following the pioneer stage, with more diverse species and increasingly complex interactions.

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Climax Community

The relatively stable and self-sustaining endpoint of ecological succession, dominated by long-lived, dominant species.

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Secondary Succession

Ecological succession that occurs after a disturbance, like fire or logging, where soil is already present.

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Factors that determine the climax

Environmental factors like climate, soil type, and disturbance events play a major role in shaping the climax community.

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Hot and Dry climates lead to...

In hot and dry climates, climax communities often resemble semi-deserts, with adapted plants and animals.

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Wetland Destruction

The draining or filling of wetlands, impacting downstream communities by altering water flow, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.

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Grassland Overgrazing

The excessive consumption of certain grass species by grazing animals, leading to a shift in dominance to less palatable species.

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Climate Change Impacts

Alterations in rainfall patterns due to climate change can cause ecosystems to become drier or wetter, affecting plant and animal communities.

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Alien Species Invasion

Introduced species outcompete native species due to a lack of natural predators or competitors.

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Social Organization: Why?

Individuals work together to improve survival and reproductive success, increasing their chances of passing on genes.

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Predator Defense: Dilution Effect

Larger prey groups increase the individual's chance of survival by spreading out the risk of being caught.

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Collective Hunting: Wild Dog Pack

Highly social wild dogs hunt in packs, coordinating their efforts to successfully take down large prey.

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Division of Labour

In social animal groups, different individuals have specialized roles, contributing to the group's success.

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Eusocial Animals

Animals with a strict caste system, a dominant breeding pair, and individuals dependent on the colony for survival.

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Termite Castes

Different types of termites with specific roles in the colony: reproductives, workers, and soldiers.

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Queen Termite

The fertile female in a termite colony, responsible for laying thousands of eggs weekly.

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Termite Workers

The majority of the colony, performing tasks like building, foraging, and caring for young.

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Termite Soldiers

Termites with specialized mouthparts for defending the colony, making up a small percentage.

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Honeybee Queen

The only fertile female in a honeybee colony, responsible for starting the colony and laying eggs.

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Worker Bees

Sterile female bees that perform various tasks throughout their lifespan, including caring for young, building comb, and foraging.

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Study Notes

Population Ecology

  • Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their physical and biological environments, including factors affecting distribution and population makeup.
  • Population ecology focuses on changes in population size, and factors that regulate these changes.

Individuals, Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems

  • An organism is a single living entity, such as a bacterium, protist, fungus, plant, or animal.
  • A species is a group of closely related organisms that can interbreed naturally and produce fertile offspring.
  • A population is a group of organisms of the same species within a specific area that can interbreed.
  • A community is a group of different species inhabiting and interacting in a particular area.
  • An ecosystem is made up of populations and physical environment where they interact.
  • Biosphere is the part of Earth where living organisms are found.

Population Size and Growth

  • Population size is the total number of individuals in a population.
  • Population size can change due to natality (birth rate), immigration, mortality (death rate), and emigration.
  • Exponential growth (J curve) shows rapid, uncontrolled increases in population size.
  • Logistic growth (S curve) depicts populations that grow exponentially and then reach their carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of individuals that can be sustainably supported by the environment.

Environmental Resistance

  • Limiting factors constrain population growth, preventing it from exceeding carrying capacity.
  • Density-dependent factors affect population growth as the population density increases, such as competition for resources, predation, disease, and limited space.
  • Density-independent factors limit population growth regardless of density fluctuations, including physical factors such as natural disasters, drought, floods.

Estimating Population Size

  • Direct methods: Counting every individual (census)
  • Indirect methods: Quadrat method (counting individuals in small areas to estimate total population), Mark-recapture method (capturing, marking, releasing individuals and then recapturing to estimate population size).

Predator-Prey Relationships

  • Predators and prey populations often experience cyclical fluctuations due to feeding relationships and negative feedback loops.
  • Increased prey populations allow predators to flourish, but eventually decreased prey leads to fewer predators as well.

Social Organization

  • Social organization improves survival and reproductive success.
  • Prey animals may form groups for safety, confusion, and reduced chance of attack.
  • Predators may work together to hunt, protecting vulnerable members.

Eusocial Organization

  • Eusocial animals, like termites and bees, have a complex division of labor and a strict caste system (reproductive and non-reproductive individuals).
  • This organization helps groups successfully secure resources and protect themselves.

Ecological Succession

  • Primary succession is the gradual establishment of communities in previously uninhabited areas, such as bare rock.
  • Secondary succession is the reestablishment of communities after a disturbance, such as a forest fire.
  • Climax community represents the stable and mature stage of an ecosystem.

Resource Partitioning

  • Species partition resources to minimize competition and maximize resource utilization, for example, through temporal or spatial differences in resource use.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of population ecology, including definitions of organisms, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems. You'll also learn about factors that influence population size and growth, as well as the significance of these interactions in ecological studies.

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