Population Growth Patterns Quiz

What is a population in ecological terms?

• A group of organisms of the same species living in the same place

• A collection of different species in a region

• All the biotic factors in an area

• A single organism living in its natural habitat

Answer explanation

A population in ecological terms refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in the same place, making it the correct choice.

Which type of growth is characterized by a population increasing without limit?

• Linear growth

• Logistic growth

• Declining growth

• Exponential growth

Answer explanation

Exponential growth is characterized by a population increasing without limit, unlike logistic growth which reaches a carrying capacity.

What does 'carrying capacity' refer to?

• The rate at which a population grows

• The maximum population that an environment can sustain

• The average population in an ecosystem

• The minimum population needed for survival

Answer explanation

The maximum population that an environment can sustain

Which factor can raise the carrying capacity of an environment?

• Urban development

• Lower birth rates

• Decreased number of predators

• Increased food sources due to environmental changes

Answer explanation

Increased food sources due to environmental changes can raise the carrying capacity of an environment by providing more resources for the organisms living in that environment.

What is population density?

• The number of organisms per defined space

• The total number of organisms in an area

• The diversity of species in a community

• The migration rate of a population

Answer explanation

Population density refers to the number of organisms per defined space, making it the correct choice.

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor?

• Competition

• Climate change

• Pollution

• Natural disasters

Answer explanation

Competition is a density-dependent factor because it directly impacts population size based on the availability of resources.

What does 'density-independent' describe?

• Factors that are biotic only

• Factors that only affect small populations

• Factors that affect population growth regardless of its density

• Factors that decrease as population density increases

Answer explanation

Factors that affect population growth regardless of its density

Which of the following is considered a biotic limiting factor?

• Pollution

• Forest fires

• Flooding

• Predation

Answer explanation

Predation is considered a biotic limiting factor because it involves one living organism consuming another, which directly impacts the population size of the prey species.

What is a key characteristic of logistic growth?

• It increases without any limits

• It remains constant

• It decreases over time

• It levels off after a period of rapid growth

Answer explanation

Logistic growth is characterized by initially rapid growth that eventually levels off as the carrying capacity of the environment is reached.

What does 'immigration' refer to in ecological terms?

• The natural death rate in a population

• Organisms leaving their habitat

• The birth rate in a controlled environment

• Organisms entering a new habitat

Answer explanation

In ecological terms, 'immigration' refers to organisms entering a new habitat, not leaving their habitat or the birth rate in a controlled environment.