Limits to Growth

The image (on the right) is a population graph from the predator-prey game. Green indicates grass, blue indicates rabbits, and red indicates wolves. The rapid growth in grass shown at the right of the graph is probably due to

• rabbits becoming extinct

• wolves controlling the rabbit population

• rabbits going on diets

• wolves becoming extinct

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

It refers to the maximum capacity of an ecosystem to sustain a population of organisms without deteriorating.

• biological capacity

• biotic potential

• environmental potential

• carrying capacity

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

Which of the following is a limiting factor for marine organisms?

• Weather

• Natural Disaster

• Salinity

• Use of Pesticides

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NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Populations can grow indefinitely.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

Which of the following statements describes density-independent limiting factors?

• Competition is an example.

• Parasitism and disease are examples.

• Environmental extremes, such as a hurricane or drought, are examples.

• Their effects increase as the population increases in an area.

Answer explanation

Density-independent limiting factors, such as environmental extremes like hurricanes or droughts, are not influenced by population size and can affect a population regardless of its density.

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HS-LS4-5

HS-LS2-6

A scientist is developing a computer model to determine the maximum population size, or ​ ​ (a)   , of eagles and other birds of prey in a forest ecosystem. The model should represent all of the ​ (b)   that affect the populations.

• limiting factors

• limiting population

• immigration factors

• carrying capacity

Answer explanation

The correct choices are carrying capacity and limiting factors because they are key components in determining the maximum population size of eagles and other birds of prey in a forest ecosystem.

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HS-LS4-5

HS-LS2-6

On Isle Royale, wolves are the main predators of moose. The graph shows the changing wolf and moose populations on the island over a 50-year time span. Which statement provides the strongest explanation for the trends in the two populations?

• The populations of predators and prey are limited by abiotic factors only.

• Predation acts a density-dependent limiting factor on prey, but not on predators.

• Predation acts as a density-independent limiting factor on predators, but not on prey.

• Predator-prey relationships act as density-dependent limiting factors on both predators and prey.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that predator-prey relationships act as density-dependent limiting factors on both predators and prey.

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HS-LS2-1

HS-LS2-2

HS-LS2-6

A population of mountain lions lives in an alpine forest. As the population increases, which of these events becomes more likely to occur?

• Female mountain lions raise an increasing number of pups per litter, and a greater percentage of pups survive to adulthood.

• Competition for territory and other resources acts to slow the growth rate of the population.

• A wildfire, drought, or other natural disaster acts to decrease the mountain lion population by at least 50 percent.

• A decrease in competition acts to increase the growth rate of the population.

Answer explanation

Competition for territory and other resources acts to slow the growth rate of the population.

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HS-LS4-5

HS-LS2-6

What is the concept of 'Limits to Growth' primarily concerned with?

• Sustainable development

• Economic expansion

• Population control

• Resource depletion

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

Which of the following is a key factor in the 'Limits to Growth' model?

• Technological innovation

• Resource consumption

• Cultural diversity

• Political stability

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2