Module 12: Population Ecology and Sixth Extinction (Ch6-7)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic favored by K-selection?

many, small offspring

Which is the most reasonable prediction for the population growth of Rwanda over the next generation or two? [Based on Population Pyramid video from this module (5 min)]

positive population growth

dN/dt = rN [(K - N)/K] represents

logistic growth

A population of deer grows from 100 to 200 to 600, and when it gets to 600, it levels off. This population must have reached

carrying capacity.

This is a math problem, so focus on the numbers rather than the graph. The population growth rate for this nation in 2014 was

negative (declining population size)

You initially trap and mark 100 sunfish in a lake. You return one week later and capture 200 fish. But only 50 were marked. The estimated population size is:

400

In the logistic model of population growth, if N>K then

the population decreases in size

Abiotic variables, such as floods and fires, typically influence population size in a(n):

density independent manner

Which is the pattern of spacing for individuals within the boundaries of the population?

dispersion

Which curve best fits an elephant that spends a great deal of time and investment raising each offspring?

A

If a population exhibits exponential growth, then:

population growth will accelerate over time

Logistic growth occurs due to the negative effects of density dependent regulating factors

True

Elizabeth Kolbert recalls her visit to an unusual natural phenomenon at Castello Aragonese in the Gulf of Naples: "When we get close enough, I start to see bubbles rising from the sea floor, like beads of quicksilver. Beds of seagrass wave beneath us." Identify the gas that produces the bubbles described by the author:

Carbon Dioxide

Which group of organisms is most directly affected by human activities that accelerate the Carbon Cycle and cause acidification?

corals

In the 1990s, the first strong clues to indicate a link between Carbon Dioxide levels and the effects of acidification on marine life came from

an indoor biosphere experiment in Arizona.

Which is the most reasonable prediction for the population growth of Japan over the next generation or two? [Based on Population Pyramid video from this module (5 min)]

decline (negative population growth)

Which curve best suits a toad that lays 10,0000 tiny eggs, most of which will never make it to adulthood?

C

Population pyramids are shown for: Rwanda (left), Canada (center), Japan (right). Which nation is most likely to experience a population decline over the next generation or two?[Based on Population Pyramid video from this module (5 min)]

Japan

Density dependent factors include all of the following except:

temperature

Which of the following is a density-independent factor limiting human population growth?

earthquake

Which is the most reasonable prediction for the population growth of Canada over the next generation or two? [Based on Population Pyramid video from this module (5 min)]

very slow but positive growth, or approximately zero growth

Castello Aragonese in the Gulf of Naples provides a natural experiment where scientists can study the effects of differing pH levels on the biology of the local marine ecosystem. Kolbert claims that "Here it is possible to swim... in the seas of tomorrow today." What does she mean by this? Why would the pH of the oceans change dramatically in many places across the world?

Human activities are accelerating the Carbon Cycle, causing an average increase in global temperatures

If a population exhibits exponential growth, then:

population growth will accelerate over time

What does a negative population growth rate tell you about the dynamics of the population?

The population size is decreasing instead of increasing.

A population of deer grows from 100 to 200 to 600, and when it gets to 600, it levels off. This population must have reached

carrying capacity.

Which of the following groups would be most likely to exhibit uniform dispersion?

red squirrels, which actively defend territories

Which curve best suits a rabbit that is equally likely to die at any age throughout its lifespan?

B

Where in the world would you find a place called "One Tree Island" with an isolated research station accessible only by boat?

Australia