FREE Ecology Population Growth Models Questions and Answers

Question 1

A population of yeast is introduced to a new, nutrient-rich environment in a laboratory setting.
Initially, the population grows rapidly, doubling in size at regular intervals.
Which of the following statements BEST describes this initial phase of growth?

Accepted Answer

The population is exhibiting exponential growth, characterized by a constant per capita growth rate.

Answer

The population is experiencing logistic growth because it will eventually be limited by the container size.

Answer

The growth rate is density-dependent, as the population size is increasing.

Answer

The population has reached its carrying capacity (K) and will remain stable.

Question 2

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a density-independent limiting factor affecting a population?

Accepted Answer

A severe, late-spring frost kills a large percentage of oak tree seedlings in a forest.

Answer

A viral disease spreads rapidly through a crowded colony of bats.

Answer

Increased competition for nesting sites limits the reproductive success of seabirds on an island.

Answer

A surge in the predator population causes a decline in the local rabbit population.

Question 3

The logistic growth model is described by the equation dN/dt = rN((K-N)/K). What does the term (K-N)/K represent?

Accepted Answer

The fraction of the carrying capacity that is still available for population growth.

Answer

The intrinsic rate of natural increase.

Answer

The per capita death rate.

Answer

The point at which the population growth rate is at its maximum.

Question 4

An organism that is long-lived, produces few, well-cared-for offspring, and lives in a stable environment is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A K-strategist

Answer

An r-strategist

Answer

Exhibiting exponential growth

Answer

A pioneer species

Question 5

A population of harbor seals experiences growth that initially is rapid, then slows, and finally fluctuates around a certain level. This pattern, which produces an S-shaped curve when plotted, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth

Answer

Exponential growth

Answer

Linear growth

Answer

Demographic transition

Question 6

Which of the following is a key assumption of the basic logistic model of population growth?

Accepted Answer

All individuals in the population are equivalent, with the same birth and death rates regardless of age or size.

Answer

The carrying capacity (K) of the environment fluctuates randomly from year to year.

Answer

The per capita rate of increase (r) grows as the population approaches K.

Answer

The population responds instantly to changes in resource availability.