Population Ecology

Front

What are k-strategists?

Back

K-strategists are organisms that occupy stable environments, are larger in size, have longer life expectancies, produce fewer offspring, and invest more in each offspring.

Front

What does the graph of logistic growth look like?

Back

The graph of logistic growth is S-shaped.

Front

What likely happened to the common brushtail possum after being introduced to New Zealand?

Back

The possum population grew to a larger size due to the lack of natural predators and abundant food supply.

Front

What type of survivorship curve describes organisms with a high death rate immediately following birth?

Back

Type III survivorship curve describes organisms like bacteria, fishes, and invertebrates that have a high death rate immediately after birth.

Front

Which survivorship curve best describes organisms that invest a lot of energy in parenting?

Back

Curve C best describes organisms that invest a lot of energy in parenting.

Front

Define r-strategists.

Back

R-strategists are organisms that produce a large number of offspring, have a short life span, and provide little to no parental care.

Front

What is the difference between Type I and Type III survivorship curves?

Back

Type I survivorship curves show high survivorship in early and middle life, with a high death rate in older age, while Type III curves show high mortality in early life stages.

Front

What factors can affect population growth?

Back

Factors affecting population growth include birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, and environmental conditions.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological niche.

Back

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.