Population Ecology Unit Review

Front

What is mutualism in ecology?

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is the primary cause of population decrease in a species due to competition?

Back

Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources, resulting in a decrease in population.

Front

Define habitat in ecological terms.

Back

A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism lives, providing the necessary resources for survival.

Front

What is carrying capacity in an ecosystem?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.

Front

How do invasive species affect native species?

Back

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, potentially decreasing their populations.

Front

What is the role of predators in population ecology?

Back

Predators help control the population size of prey species, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological niche.

Back

An ecological niche refers to the role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like water, soil, and climate).

Front

How does competition affect species diversity in an ecosystem?

Back

High levels of competition can reduce species diversity as dominant species outcompete others for resources.

Front

What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?

Back

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.