Ecology Population Growth and Regulation 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a metapopulation?

Accepted Answer

A network of local populations connected by dispersal

Answer

A metapopulation consists of spatially separated local populations (patches) that interact through immigration and emigration, following the Levins model.

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism by which density-dependent factors regulate population size?

Accepted Answer

Feedback loops where increasing density increases mortality or reduces birth rates

Answer

Density-dependent regulation creates negative feedback: as population grows, per capita birth rates decline or death rates rise, slowing growth.

Question 3

A population with a stable age distribution growing at λ = 1.2 means:

Accepted Answer

The population grows by 20% per time unit

Answer

λ (finite rate of increase) > 1 means population growth; λ = 1.2 indicates a 20% increase per generation or time step.

Question 4

Which predator-prey interaction is most likely to produce cyclical population oscillations similar to the Lotka-Volterra model?

Accepted Answer

A specialist predator with time-lagged numerical responses to prey

Answer

Specialist predators with delayed numerical responses create time lags that produce the classic oscillating cycles described by Lotka-Volterra equations.

Question 5

Rmax (maximum intrinsic rate of natural increase) is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The growth rate under ideal, unlimited conditions with no competition

Answer

Rmax represents the theoretical maximum per capita growth rate achieved when resources are unlimited and environmental conditions are optimal.

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Practice Test

Ecology Population Growth and Regulation 3