A rabbit population is near the carrying capacity of its ecosystem. If the population density of rabbits in an area were to increase, what direct effect would it most likely have?

• There would be more food available to the rabbits.

• The rabbit population would die off immediately.

• The rabbits would have greater competition for resources.

An insect population feeds on a single species of plant. The carrying capacity of the insect population is dependent on food availability. Recently, a fire destroyed 80% of the plants that the insects feed upon. By what factor will the carrying capacity change?

• 0.2

• 0.8

• 2

A scientist wants to study primary succession. After which ecological event should she begin her research?

• A fire burns down half of a forest.

• A hurricane devastates a coral reef.

• A retreating glacier exposes bare rock.

Which of these best describes a climax community?

• a growing forest with varied tree and shrub species after a wildfire

• a balanced population of clownfish and sea anemones in a coral reef ecosystem

• a booming population of plankton after farming that increased fertilizer runoff

A scientist is studying the factors that affect a population of mammals. Which scenario will it increase the population?

• The birth rate and death rate in the population are roughly equal

• A deadly disease is spreading among predators of the population.

• A natural disaster destroys resources the population needs for survival.

A scientist is studying the factors that affect a population of mammals. Which scenario will it decrease the population?

• The birth rate and death rate in the population are roughly equal

• A deadly disease is spreading among predators of the population.

• A natural disaster destroys resources the population needs for survival.

A scientist is studying the factors that affect a population of mammals. Which scenario will it stabilize the population?

• The birth rate and death rate in the population are roughly equal

• A deadly disease is spreading among predators of the population.

• A natural disaster destroys resources the population needs for survival.

Of the following which are primary succession?

• A forest fire that burns for days

• A hurricane that devastates a coral reef system

• A retreating glacier that exposes bare rock and eroded sediment

• A large volcanic eruption that leaves many acres of hardened lava

Of the following which are secondary succession?

• A forest fire that burns for days

• A hurricane that devastates a coral reef system

• A retreating glacier that exposes bare rock and eroded sediment

• A large volcanic eruption that leaves many acres of hardened lava

Of the following which are density dependent limiting factors.

• A large number of moose die from a rare bacterial infection that spreads through the population.

• Climate change causes the polar bear population to decrease because of a lack of polar ice.

• The amount of nitrogen in the soil becomes abundant; therefore, fewer plants are able to survive.