Ecology Review

Here is a chart representing the human population growth on earth.

Use the data in the chart to classify each statement as true or false.

In the year 1500, there were more than 2 billion people on earth.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

Here is a chart representing the human population growth on earth.

Use the data in the chart to classify each statement as true or false.

Saying that, "the recent rise in population is due to better farming" is an observation.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Here is a chart representing the human population growth on earth.

Use the data in the chart to classify each statement as true or false.

According to the chart, human population has always been rising.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Here is a chart representing the human population growth on earth.

Use the data in the chart to classify each statement as true or false.

Saying that, "the recent rise in population is due to better medicine" is an inference.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

This graph shows the harbor seal population in the gulf of Maine for a twenty year period. A population of seals with unlimited resources will continue to grow exponentially as shown in the graph above. What are some density-dependent limiting factors that would prevent continued exponential growth? Choose ALL that apply.

• available mates

• parasitic disease

• reinstitution of the bounty

• competition with fishermen for food supply

• hurricane destroyed much of the coastal ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In the 1900s, New England's harbor and gray seals were hunted to the brink of extinction due to bounty policies put in place to reduce their population. Although the bounty was dropped in 1962, seals continued to be hunted because of their perceived threat to the fishing industry. In 1972, seals became a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Since then, both harbor and gray seal populations have increased dramatically. This graph shows the harbor seal population in the gulf of Maine for a twenty year period. What were some of the limiting factors that caused the seals to reach their carrying capacity? Select ALL that apply.

• Food Supply

• Available mates

• Available habitat space

• Increased commercial fishing in the area

• Hurricane destroyed much of the coastal ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The graph represents a typical carrying capacity graph, or the maximum population size a certain environment can support for an extended period of time, for a population of a particular species. Under ideal conditions, a population naturally increases until it reaches the carrying capacity. The purple line represents fluctuations within the population. In 1950 and again in 1975, the population declines. Identify the density dependent factors that would contribute to those declines. Choose ALL that apply.

• Overcrowding.

• Lack of sufficient food and water.

• 
  Increased competition for resources.

• Infringement by humans on the habitat.

• Catastrophic events such as floods or wildfires.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A population of deer on the Kaibab Plateau exhibits the population growth shown in the graph here. Which hypothesis is supported by the data in the graph? Select ALL that apply.

• The deer have overpopulated the Kaibab Plateau.

• The food source for the deer has been depleted.

• The birth rate equals the death rate in this population.

• 
  The deer are currently growing at an exponential capacity.

• The deer are affected by density-dependent factors like predation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Ecological succession are the natural, gradual changes in the types of species that live in an area. We may refer to ecological succession as either primary or secondary. The graphic represents an example of primary succession, which begins in an area that has no living organisms present. Such an area might exist following a volcanic eruption with lava flow. Notice in the illustration, the first organisms to inhabit the area undergoing succession are lichens and moss. What abiotic feature restricts the growth of more diverse plants in this area.

• When lichen and moss are pioneer species we know that the area is composed of hot volcanic lava.

• Initially there is no soil. Lichens and moss, which can grow un this condition, are soil formers.

• 
  Initially the area is very dry and hot. Only lichens and moss can live under such abiotic conditions.

• Lichen and moss are often pioneer species in an area of primary succession because they can photosynthesize.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Consider this site of primary succession following the eruption of a volcano and the subsequent cooling of lava and clearing of particulate matter from the atmosphere. As we move from left to right, describe some improvements in the abiotic factors that support plant growth.

• change in climate over time

• improved soil quality with increased humus and water retention; filtered sunlight; moderated temperatures

• 
  less competition for water and food resources resources due to increased biodiversity

• increased population density resulting in depletion of soil nutrients and available water as well as increased shading of ground plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-5