Population Ecology Quiz

Which choice most closely approximates the deer population's carrying capacity based on the graph?

• 100

• 80

• 60

• 10

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What point on the graph represents carrying capacity?

• a

• b

• c

• d

What does the term "carrying capacity" refer to in population ecology?

• The maximum population size that can be supported indefinitely by the environment

• The rate at which a population increases in size

• The minimum number of individuals needed to sustain a population

• The ability of an environment to increase its resources

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

What is a density-independent factor?

• A factor whose effects on the size or growth of the population vary with the population density

• A factor that limits population size regardless of the population density

• A factor that increases the population size

• A factor that is only relevant in densely populated areas

How does carrying capacity relate to the availability of resources?

• It is unrelated to resource availability

• It decreases as resources become more abundant

• It increases as resources become scarcer

• It is determined by the maximum resource availability that can sustain a population

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What happens when a population reaches its carrying capacity?

• The population temporarily stops growing until more resources are available

• The population size fluctuates around the carrying capacity

• The population indefinitely exceeds its carrying capacity

• The population decreases dramatically and permanently

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Which factor would most likely cause a sudden decrease in a population regardless of its density?

• Disease

• Food availability

• A flood

• Competition among individuals

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In terms of population ecology, what role do predators play in a healthy ecosystem?

• They increase the carrying capacity of the environment

• They are a density-dependent factor that helps regulate prey populations

• They decrease biodiversity by eliminating weaker species

• They have no impact on the carrying capacity of an environment

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is likely to happen if a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

• The population will stabilize at a new, higher carrying capacity

• The population will continue to grow exponentially

• The population will decrease due to increased mortality and decreased birth rates

• The environment will adapt to support the larger population

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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What is an example of how human activity can affect the carrying capacity of an environment?

• Increasing biodiversity through conservation efforts

• Reducing water pollution

• Overfishing leading to a decrease in fish populations

• Promoting natural predator-prey relationships

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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