Questions and Answers
Which of the following species is an R-selected species?
Why is it important to look at the combination of birth and death rates when considering population size?
It is important to look at the combination of birth and death rates because a high birth rate alone will not lead to a large population size. If a population has a high birth rate but an even higher death rate, the population size will decrease. Conversely, if a population has a low birth rate but has an even lower death rate, the population size will increase.
Identify the abiotic limiting factor from the choices below.
Orange trees planted in an orchard would most likely fall in which category of population distribution?
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What are the biotic and abiotic factors that limit population size?
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Which of the following conditions would lead to a small population size?
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How do the biotic and abiotic limiting factors of an ecosystem determine its carrying capacity?
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What are the possible impacts on the limiting factors that determine population size of an extended period of lower than normal rainfall?
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How does population density differ from population size?
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A population distribution shows _______.
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When two species compete for the same ecological niche, this highlights the concept of _______.
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Lions live in groups called prides. Lion populations would most likely fall in which category of population distribution?
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Identify the biotic limiting factor from the choices below.
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When population growth increases in an area, what is happening to the birth rate and age structure of that population?
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Migration is _______.
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R-selected species have a short life span and an early reproduction cycle.
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Which of the following factors would have the smallest impact on a population's size?
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In a particular environment there is plenty of food, water, cover, and space to support a large population of pheasants, but a larger quantity of predators are introduced. The predators become the _______ for pheasants in that environment.
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Which of the following statements about tolerance range is true?
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How does population density differ from population size?
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A population's distribution can be even, clumped, or random.
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A high birth to death ratio leads to smaller populations.
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Which of the following is an example of an even population distribution?
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Which of the following statements about population distribution is not true?
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Which of the following factors would have the least effect on the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?
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Identify the biotic limiting factor from the choices below.
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How does population density differ from population size?
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Which of the following statements is true?
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Study Notes
Population Dynamics and Definitions
- R-selected species, like mosquitoes, are characterized by short lifespans and early reproduction cycles.
- Birth and death rates' combination is crucial; a high birth rate can't sustain a population if the death rate is proportionately higher.
- Abiotic limiting factors include elements such as water, which affects population viability.
Population Distribution
- Orange trees in an orchard exemplify an even distribution pattern.
- Lions are social animals living in groups called prides, leading to a clumped distribution.
- A distribution can be even, clumped, or random, indicating how organisms are spread across an area.
Limiting Factors Impacting Population Size
- Biotic limiting factors include space, food, shelter, and vegetation, while abiotic factors encompass climate, temperature, and water availability.
- A low birth-to-death ratio indicates conditions leading to smaller populations.
- An increase in predators can become a limiting factor, negatively impacting prey populations like pheasants.
Ecosystem Carrying Capacity
- Carrying capacity is influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, determining how many organisms can thrive in an ecosystem.
- Resource availability (food, water, shelter) is vital for a robust carrying capacity.
- Changes in environmental factors, such as prolonged low rainfall, can decrease resource supply, leading to declining birth rates and increased death rates.
Population Density vs. Size
- Population size refers to the total count of organisms, while population density assesses the number of organisms in a specified area.
- Even if two areas have different population sizes, the one with more organisms per area can have a higher density (e.g., Japan vs. the U.S.).
Ecological Interactions
- Competitive exclusion occurs when two species vying for the same niche cannot coexist; one species inevitably outcompetes the other.
- Tolerance ranges vary significantly among organisms, affecting their ability to survive in different environmental conditions.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
- High birth-to-death ratios correlate with larger populations, contradicting any assertion that they lead to smaller populations.
- Competitive exclusion has minimal impact on ecosystem carrying capacity compared to other limiting factors like space and food supply.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the concepts of population ecology with these flashcards. Explore the significance of R-selected species and understand the dynamics of birth and death rates in population size. Perfect for students studying ecology and biology.
