AP Biology: Unit 8 Review (CED)

Front

What is the formula for calculating the change in population size over time?

Back

dN/dt = rN, where dN/dt is the change in population size, r is the growth rate, and N is the population size.

Front

What does the term 'carrying capacity' refer to in ecology?

Back

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.

Front

Define parasitism in ecological terms.

Back

A relationship between two organisms where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).

Front

What is the difference between primary consumers and secondary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers eat producers (plants), while secondary consumers eat primary consumers.

Front

What happens to dN/dt as a population approaches its carrying capacity?

Back

dN/dt decreases slowly as resources become limited.

Front

What is the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

Back

A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

Explain the concept of mutualism.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is the significance of territory establishment in animal behavior?

Back

Establishing territory helps animals secure resources such as food, mates, and shelter, and reduces competition.

Front

How does a decrease in plant population affect the trophic structure of an ecosystem?

Back

It leads to a decrease in both primary and secondary consumers due to reduced food availability.

Front

What is the definition of commensalism?

Back

A relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.