Population Ecology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What distribution pattern arises from mutual attraction or limited dispersal of offspring?

  • Regular distribution
  • Uniform distribution
  • Random distribution
  • Clumped distribution (correct)

    • Regular distribution is characterized by individuals avoiding each other and claiming exclusive areas.

    True

    What factors influence commonness and rarity of species?

    Population size, geographic range, and habitat tolerance.

    The equation for population dynamics is represented as ∆P = BR – DR + IR - ER, where BR stands for __________.

    <p>Birth rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following methods of estimating survival patterns to their descriptions:

    <p>Cohort life tables = Track individuals born at the same time Static life tables = Provide a snapshot of survival over a short period Age distribution analysis = Reflect the proportion of individuals in different age classes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which species is considered rare and faces significant threats from habitat loss?

    <p>California condor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Age distribution provides insights into population dynamics and future trends.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are rare species more susceptible to extinction?

    <p>Due to their limited range and habitat requirements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of survivorship curve is characterized by high survivorship throughout life, with most individuals living to old age?

    <p>Type I</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exponential growth occurs in populations with pulsed reproduction and non-overlapping generations.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?

    <p>Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely if their niches are identical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In ecological studies, competition that occurs among individuals of the same species is referred to as ______.

    <p>intraspecific competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of competition with their definitions:

    <p>Intraspecific Competition = Competition among individuals of the same species Interspecific Competition = Competition between individuals of different species Interference Competition = Direct aggressive interactions over resources Exploitative Competition = Indirect competition via resource consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes logistic growth?

    <p>Growth slows as the population approaches carrying capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Type II survivorship curves exhibit low survivorship in early life stages.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors do density-dependent factors affect in population dynamics?

    <p>Birth and death rates, immigration, and emigration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The formula for calculating geometric growth is: $N_t = N_0 ______^t$.

    <p>λ</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following population dynamics terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Population Size (N) = The total number of individuals in a population Carrying Capacity (K) = The maximum population size that an environment can sustain Per Capita Growth Rate (r) = The rate of growth per individual in a population Growth Rate (dN/dt) = The change in population size over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of survivorship curve is common in many fish species?

    <p>Type III</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Resource partitioning is unnecessary for species living in the same habitat.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Can you name a factor that affects population dynamics?

    <p>Birth rates, death rates, immigration, or emigration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Niche partitioning can occur both spatially and temporally.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who first articulated the competitive exclusion principle?

    <p>Georgyi Gause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The principle developed by Georgyi Gause is known as the ____ exclusion principle.

    <p>competitive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Niche differentiation = Species evolve to use different resources Competitive equivalence = Unpredictable outcomes in species competition Overcompensation = Increased growth following herbivory Induced defenses = Defense mechanisms activated by herbivore damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of spatial heterogeneity?

    <p>Different areas have varying levels of predation risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Predation can prevent species from reaching their carrying capacities.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategies do plants use to defend against herbivores?

    <p>Resistance and tolerance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Variation in competitive ability can be influenced by ____ and environmental conditions.

    <p>genetic differences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect can overcompensation have on plant growth?

    <p>It can lead to increased growth after herbivory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Competitive exclusion means that one species will always dominate and the other will go extinct.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two mechanisms that allow species to coexist despite competition?

    <p>Niche differentiation and resource partitioning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Environmental variability helps shape community dynamics by altering competitive ____ between species.

    <p>advantage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the plant defenses with their types:

    <p>Thorns = Resistance Chemical defenses = Resistance Induced defenses = Defense mechanisms activated by damage Constitutive defenses = Always present defense mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which model emphasizes that climax species can establish early on without facilitation from earlier species?

    <p>Tolerance Model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the inhibition model, early colonizers may inhibit the establishment of later species.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do corridors play in landscape ecology?

    <p>They connect similar habitat patches, facilitating movement and gene flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Landscape structure includes the size, shape, composition, number, and ________ of patches within a landscape.

    <p>position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following landscape concepts with their definitions:

    <p>Patches = Relatively homogeneous areas differing from surroundings Matrix = Most continuous element in a landscape Edge Effects = Changes at boundaries of patches Connectivity = Facilitating movement among patches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major effect of habitat fragmentation on ecosystems?

    <p>Isolated patches leading to population declines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Climax communities are characterized by short-lived species that are sensitive to disturbances.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of landscape ecology?

    <p>The relationships between spatial patterns and ecological processes across various scales.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Lotka-Volterra model primarily describe?

    <p>The dynamics of predator-prey relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aposematic coloration serves as a mimicry mechanism for harmless species.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main components that define species diversity?

    <p>Species richness and species evenness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Predator-prey relationships can be illustrated through ____ populations that oscillate over time.

    <p>dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the categories of ecological interactions with their effects:

    <p>Commensalism = (+/0) Mutualism = (+/+) Exploitation = (-/+) Amensalism = (-/0)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one assumption of the Lotka-Volterra model?

    <p>Environmental conditions remain constant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Manipulating species abundance contributes to understanding community structure.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one example of a prey avoidance strategy.

    <p>Use of refugia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The relationship in which both species benefit is known as _____.

    <p>mutualism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of mimicry with its definition:

    <p>Müllerian mimicry = Multiple toxic species sharing similar warning signals Batesian mimicry = Harmless species mimicking harmful species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about rank-abundance curves?

    <p>They represent species diversity and can compare ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pathogens can be transmitted directly or indirectly.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological roles do vectors play in disease spread?

    <p>Transmit pathogens without being affected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In predator-prey dynamics, larger prey may be more likely to be ____ by predators.

    <p>ignored</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does alpha diversity primarily measure?

    <p>Diversity within a specific area focusing on species richness and evenness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Beta diversity refers to the diversity within a specific area or ecosystem.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

    <p>They maintain community structure and diversity despite their low abundance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of __________ occurs gradually following a disturbance, leading to new ecological communities.

    <p>succession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a guild?

    <p>A group of organisms that exploit resources similarly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Disturbances can inhibit the establishment of less competitive species, reducing community diversity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of pioneer species during ecological succession?

    <p>They modify the environment, making it suitable for later successional species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intermediate levels of disturbance can enhance species __________ by creating opportunities for less competitive species.

    <p>diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following community interactions with their descriptions:

    <p>Facilitation = Pioneer species modify the environment for later species Inhibition = Early colonizers hinder establishment of other species Tolerance = Later species can establish without inhibiting others Competitive Hierarchy = Some species dominate in resource utilization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is gamma diversity?

    <p>Total diversity within a larger region</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Community stability is defined as the ability to recover after a disturbance.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of ecosystem engineers in biodiversity?

    <p>They modify the environment to create habitats for other species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The relationship between species diversity and community stability emphasizes the importance of __________ ecosystems.

    <p>conserving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during secondary succession?

    <p>Ecosystems recover after disturbances without destroying the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Species Distribution & Abundance

    • Species distribution patterns include random, regular, and clumped, influenced by interactions among individuals and scale.
    • Mapping distributions shows species ranges, but not individual locations.
    • Understanding these patterns is key for conservation and ecological studies.
    • Random distribution: equal chance of being found anywhere, often due to neutral interactions.
    • Regular distribution: individuals avoid each other or claim exclusive areas (territorial species).
    • Clumped distribution: mutual attraction or limited dispersal (common in social species).
    • Species rarity is linked to population size, range, and habitat tolerance, affecting extinction risk.
    • Rare species are vulnerable to extinction due to limited range and habitat needs, especially impacted by human actions.

    Population Structure

    • Population structure includes mortality, age distributions, sex ratios, and dispersal patterns, defining population dynamics.

    • Factors like birth/death rates, immigration/emigration influence population size and structure (∆P = BR – DR + IR - ER).

    • Understanding population demographics is crucial for assessing population health and predicting future trends.

    • Life tables summarize survival patterns (age-specific survival/mortality).

    • Types of life tables include: cohort (individuals born at the same time), static (snapshot survival), and age distribution analysis.

    • Age distribution reflects the proportion of individuals in different ages, vital for understanding population dynamics and predicting growth/decline, essential for conservation.

    • Survivorship curves:

      • Type I: high survivorship throughout life (e.g., humans).
      • Type II: constant survivorship regardless of age (e.g., some birds).
      • Type III: low survivorship in early life, higher at maturity (e.g., many fish).

    • Age distribution analysis reveals historical survival/reproduction patterns, indicating future growth. Identifies successful reproduction periods and survival rates for juveniles and adults. Reveals if older individuals are being replaced by younger ones.

    • Case studies:

      • White Oak: stable population, sufficient reproduction.
      • Rio Grande Cottonwoods: declining due to reduced seasonal floods affecting seedlings.

    Population Dynamics and Growth Models

    • Density-dependent and density-independent factors affect population size (e.g., birth/death rates, immigration/emigration).
    • Geometric growth occurs in populations with pulsed reproduction (non-overlapping generations). Formula: 𝑁𝑡 = 𝑁0𝜆𝑡.
    • Exponential growth occurs in populations with overlapping generations, growth proportional to current size. Formula: 𝑑𝑁/𝑑𝑡 = 𝑟𝑁.
    • Logistic growth: resources limit growth, slowing as population approaches carrying capacity (K). Curve is sigmoidal (S-shaped).

    Competition in Ecology

    • Competition occurs when individuals (same or different species) compete for resources. Competition can be categorized as:

      • Competition (-/-): individuals compete for the same resources.
      • Exploitation (+/-): one species benefits at expense of another.
      • Mutualism (+/+): both species benefit.
      • Commensalism (+/0): one species benefits, the other is unaffected.

    • Intraspecific competition: among individuals of the same species (often leading to self-thinning).

    • Interspecific competition: between individuals of different species.

    • Mechanisms include interference (direct, aggressive interactions like territorial disputes) and exploitative (indirect competition for resources).

    • Competitive Exclusion Principle: two species with identical niches cannot coexist indefinitely.

    • Intraspecific competition formula: 𝑑𝑁/𝑑𝑡 = 𝑟_{max} 𝑁 (1 - 𝑁/𝐾). (rmax=max growth rate, N= pop size, K=carrying capacity)

    • Interspecific competition involves competition coefficient (α), affecting the growth rates when different species are competing for the same resources. (α12 example, for species 1's impact on species 2).

    • Spatial heterogeneity affects competition strength, allowing coexistence in varied environmental conditions. Factors like food, disease, and predation risk vary spatially. Example: A diverse forest with abundant resources vs. a resource-poor area.

    • Competitive equivalence: Similar competitive abilities can lead to unpredictable outcomes; species can win/lose equally over time.

    • Niche partitioning: allows coexistence through different resource usage within the same habitat (spatially or temporally), reducing direct competition.

    • Competitive abilities (within species) can vary; recognizing this variation is crucial for understanding ecological interactions.

    Herbivory and Plant Defense Mechanisms

    • Plants use resistance (preventing herbivory) and tolerance (mitigating damage) mechanisms.
    • Examples: thorns, spines, and chemical defenses (alkaloids).
    • Induced defenses are activated in response to herbivory, while constitutive defenses are always present.
    • Overcompensation: increased plant growth after herbivory, often due to nutrient cycling.

    Impacts of Predators on Prey Populations

    • Predators influence prey populations through consumption and non-consumptive effects (stress, behavioral changes).
    • Lotka-Volterra model: Predicts cyclical patterns in predator and prey populations.
    • Prey populations use diverse strategies to avoid predation (refugia, defense mechanisms). Includes visual/olfactory displays, behavioral adaptations, and physical refuges.

    Mutualism, Parasitism, and Disease

    • Disease is defined as an atypical condition causing physiological impairment, influenced by genetic, environmental, and pathogen factors.
    • Pathogens are disease-causing organisms, and vectors transmit pathogens.
    • Disease population dynamics are influenced by pathogen traits and transmission methods (direct or indirect, horizontal or vertical).

    Community Structure and Functioning

    • Community structure encompasses species attributes like richness, abundance, and diversity, affecting ecosystem health.

    • Ecological function encompasses biological, chemical, and physical processes.

    • Species richness and evenness determine species diversity.

    • Rank-abundance curves visually represent species relative abundance against rank. Steeper curves indicate fewer dominant species.

    • Functional groups consist of organisms with similar ecological roles; understanding them helps predict responses to changes.

    • Alpha diversity: diversity within a specific area.

    • Beta diversity: differences in species composition between communities.

    • Gamma diversity: total diversity within a larger region (synthesis of alpha and beta).

    Community Interactions

    • Food webs show feeding relationships and illustrate energy/nutrient flow through trophic levels.
    • Competitive hierarchies can shape community composition due to superior competitors (indirect influence).
    • Keystone species have large impacts on community structure but are often not abundant.
    • Ecosystem engineers modify the environment, creating habitats for other species.

    Disturbance, Succession, and Stability

    • Succession is the gradual change in species composition following disturbance. Types include primary (newly exposed substrates) and secondary (disturbances that don't completely destroy soil).
    • Pioneer community: first colonists following disturbance.
    • Climax community: stable endpoint of succession.
    • Disclimax community: maintained by ongoing disturbances (e.g., grazing).
    • Mechanisms of succession include facilitation, inhibition, and tolerance.
    • The intermediate disturbance hypothesis: intermediate levels of disturbance can create higher species diversity.
    • Community stability: the absence of change due to lack of disturbance. Community resistance (maintaining structure/function despite disturbance) and resilience (recovering after disturbance) are crucial.

    Landscape Ecology

    • Landscape ecology studies patterns and processes across multiple scales. Landscapes are composed of heterogeneous patches and the matrix surrounding them.
    • Landscape structure includes patch size/shape, composition, number, and position.
    • Corridors connect similar habitat patches and facilitate species movement.
    • Landscape processes are influenced by structure, including energy flow, nutrient cycling, and species distribution across them.
    • Edge effects occur at the boundaries of patches.
    • Fragmentation impacts species movement and population dynamics.

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    Test your knowledge on population ecology concepts including distribution patterns, survival methods, and factors influencing species rarity. This quiz will challenge you to understand population dynamics and the threats faced by rare species.

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