Ecology Quiz

Which of these abiotic factors would contribute to a clumped dispersion pattern in an ecosystem? Select all correct answers.

• unlimited water

• high temperatures

• limited rainfall

• moderate temperatures

• limited water

An antelope population has a negative population growth rate. Which of the following conditions must also be true for the population growth rate to be negative?

• births + deaths < immigrations + emigrations

• births + deaths > immigrations + emigrations

• births + immigrations < deaths + emigrations

• births + immigrations > deaths + emigrations

A population of yellow warblers, a type of songbird, experiences a period of exponential growth. Which of these factors would be a density-dependent limiting factor that could decrease the carrying capacity of the ecosystem for this population of songbirds?

• a competing species moves into the forest

• a period of lower than normal rainfall

• a developer fills in a wetland to build an office park

• high winds knock down a quarter of the trees

A massive flood displaces a population of deer from their habitat. The flood is an example of

• a density-dependent limiting factor.

• carrying capacity.

• a density-independent limiting factor.

• survivorship.

A group of rodents is introduced on a remote island due to a shipwreck. Eventually, the population of rodents reaches the island’s carrying capacity. At this point, the birth and death rates are

• relatively equal.

• crashing.

• increasing.

A herd of zebras has 9 males and 62 females. During a one-year period, 22 foals that are born survive and 25 adults die. Six females join the herd. Three males and 11 females leave the herd. Has the herd reached its carrying capacity for this ecosystem? How do you know?

• The herd has reached its carrying capacity because the growth rate is negative.

• The herd has reached its carrying capacity because the growth rate is positive.

• The herd has not reached its carrying capacity because the growth rate is negative.

• The herd has not reached its carrying capacity because the growth rate is positive.