Ecology and Population Dynamics Quiz

Competition between organisms can lead to an increase in population numbers.

Inter-specific competition involves members of the same species.

In contest competition, organisms engage in a physical confrontation to win the resource.

Scramble competition involves each organism trying to acquire as little of the resource as possible.

The effects of competition can lead to the evolution of a better-adapted species and the elimination of the less well-adapted species.

Adaptations to survive competition include a grass plant producing large quantities of pollen to decrease its chance of reproduction.

The blackbird's 'song' is to attract competitors to its territory.

The yellow petals of buttercups are to attract insect pollinators.

Bacteria in soil secrete chemicals to promote the growth of their competitors.

The cabbage white butterfly chews on cabbage leaves as a defense mechanism against competition.

Creeping buttercup uses fast-growing horizontal stems to colonize habitats faster than dandelions.

Predator adaptations include keen senses, speed, and migration to areas with more prey.

Prey adaptations include burrowing, warning signals, and physical defenses like thorns.

Predation maintains prey species at sustainable levels and is a major factor in prey species evolution.

Predator-prey relationships are used in biological control of pests.

Parasitism occurs when one organism harms another for food, often without significantly affecting host numbers.

Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms, with mutualism being a beneficial type of symbiosis.

Population dynamics are influenced by factors such as food availability, concealment, and predator movement.

Human population continues to rise due to factors such as reduced infant mortality and longer life spans.

Famine, disease, and war impact human population numbers.