Ecology Population Growth Models 2

Question 1

In the logistic growth equation dN/dt = rN((K-N)/K), what does the term (K-N)/K represent?

Accepted Answer

The fraction of carrying capacity still available

Answer

The intrinsic rate of increase

Answer

The per capita death rate

Answer

The population density at equilibrium

Question 2

Which scenario best illustrates an Allee effect in population growth?

Accepted Answer

A population has a reduced per capita growth rate at very low densities

Answer

A population grows fastest at low density

Answer

A population declines when density exceeds carrying capacity

Answer

A population oscillates regularly around carrying capacity

Question 3

Doubling time for a population growing exponentially at rate r is approximately:

Accepted Answer

0.693 / r

Answer

r / 0.693

Answer

r × K

Answer

K / r

Question 4

A population has K = 500 and N = 250. Under logistic growth, the growth rate is at what fraction of its maximum possible rate?

Accepted Answer

50%

Answer

100%

Answer

25%

Answer

75%

Question 5

What distinguishes a Leslie matrix model from simple exponential or logistic growth models?

Accepted Answer

It tracks age- or stage-structured survival and fecundity

Answer

It incorporates predator-prey interactions

Answer

It models spatial dispersal across habitat patches

Answer

It accounts for stochastic random events only

Question 6

In a metapopulation framework, a 'rescue effect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Immigration that prevents local patch extinction

Answer

A sudden increase in carrying capacity after disturbance

Answer

Emigration that reduces competition in overcrowded patches

Answer

Rapid evolution of higher birth rates in declining populations

Question 7

A population growing according to the Gompertz model grows fastest when N equals:

Accepted Answer

K/e

Answer

K

Answer

K/2

Answer

0