Ecology Of Species Interactions 3

Question 1

The concept of an 'ecological trap' occurs when:

Accepted Answer

A habitat cue attracts organisms to poor-quality environments

Answer

An ecological trap arises when environmental cues mislead organisms into preferring low-quality or dangerous habitats.

Question 2

Batesian mimicry is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A harmless species mimicking a dangerous or unpalatable species

Answer

In Batesian mimicry, a palatable mimic gains protection by resembling an unpalatable or dangerous model species.

Question 3

Which outcome is predicted by the competitive exclusion principle?

Accepted Answer

Two species competing for identical resources cannot coexist indefinitely

Answer

Gause's competitive exclusion principle states that two species occupying identical niches cannot coexist; one will be excluded.

Question 4

A parasitoid differs from a true parasite primarily because the parasitoid:

Accepted Answer

Eventually kills the host as part of its life cycle

Answer

Parasitoids ultimately kill their hosts (typically insects) as they complete development, unlike true parasites that usually keep hosts alive.

Question 5

The 'enemy release hypothesis' proposes that invasive species succeed because they:

Accepted Answer

Leave behind their natural predators, parasites, and pathogens

Answer

Enemy release hypothesis argues that invasive species thrive partly because their coevolved natural enemies are absent in the new range.

Ecology Practice Test