Ecology Exam 3

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What is species richness and how is it affected by disturbance frequency?

Back

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area. Frequent disturbances can limit species richness because few species can tolerate the environmental changes, while infrequent disturbances allow slow-growing species to establish.

Front

What is the significance of rank abundance curves in ecology?

Back

Rank abundance curves visually represent the relative abundance of species in a community. A steeper slope indicates lower species richness, while a flatter slope suggests higher species richness.

Front

Explain Lotka-Volterra dynamics in predator-prey interactions.

Back

Lotka-Volterra dynamics describe the interactions between predators and prey, where the growth rate of each population is affected by the other. The model predicts oscillations in population sizes based on their interaction rates.

Front

What does R0 represent in epidemiology?

Back

R0, or the basic reproduction number, indicates the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected individual in a completely susceptible population.

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How does a type 2 functional response affect predator-prey dynamics?

Back

A type 2 functional response indicates that predators have a maximum consumption rate due to high prey handling time, which can prevent them from effectively limiting large prey populations.

Front

What is the impact of frequent disturbances on plant species richness?

Back

Frequent disturbances can reduce plant species richness because only a few species can adapt to the changing conditions, while others may not survive.

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How do intrinsic growth rates influence prey populations?

Back

Intrinsic growth rates determine how quickly a prey population can increase in size under ideal conditions, affecting the dynamics of predator-prey interactions.

Front

What factors can lead to a loss in predator populations?

Back

Factors such as low prey availability, high mortality rates, and competition can lead to a decline in predator populations.

Front

What is the relationship between community diversity and species richness?

Back

Community diversity encompasses both species richness and the evenness of species' abundances. Higher species richness typically contributes to greater community diversity.

Front

How does competition affect predator fitness in ecosystems?

Back

Competition for resources between predators and prey can reduce predator fitness, impacting their ability to hunt and reproduce.