Births and Deaths

Analyze how an increase in the birth rate might affect the overall size of a population in a forest ecosystem. Consider factors such as resource availability and space.

• The population size will decrease due to increased competition for resources.

• The population size will increase, assuming resources and space are sufficient.

• The population size will remain the same regardless of birth rate changes.

• The population size will decrease due to more predators.

Answer explanation

An increase in the birth rate typically leads to a larger population size, provided there are enough resources and space to support the new individuals. If resources are limited, competition may rise, but the correct assumption is that population can grow.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Construct a flow chart to describe how a change in the availability of food resources might affect the birth rate in a population of deer.

• Increased food → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• Decreased food → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• Increased food → Lower birth rate → Smaller population

• Decreased food → Lower birth rate → Larger population

Answer explanation

Increased food availability leads to better nutrition for deer, resulting in a higher birth rate. This increase in births contributes to a larger population over time, making the first choice correct.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Michael and Mia are studying how seasonal changes might affect the birth rate in a population of birds in a temperate forest.

• Spring → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• Winter → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• Summer → Lower birth rate → Smaller population

• Fall → Lower birth rate → Larger population

Answer explanation

Spring brings warmer temperatures and abundant food sources, leading to higher birth rates in birds. This results in a larger population, making 'Spring → Higher birth rate → Larger population' the correct choice.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Develop a model to describe how a change in the availability of water might affect the birth rate in a population of plants.

• More water → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• Less water → Higher birth rate → Larger population

• More water → Lower birth rate → Smaller population

• Less water → Lower birth rate → Larger population

Answer explanation

More water increases the availability of resources for plants, leading to a higher birth rate. This results in a larger population, as plants can thrive and reproduce more effectively with sufficient water.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

The number of births occurring in a given period of time.

• birth rate

• death rate

• life expectancy

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The number of deaths in a given period of time.

• birth rate

• death rate

• life expectancy

If a population has 46 births and 12 deaths during a year, will the popn size increase or decrease?

• increase

• decrease

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A population pyramid that shows rapid growth will have what type of shape?

• a narrower middle and wide bottom

• almost equal at middle and bottom

• narrower at bottom than middle

Construct a flow chart to describe how a change in predator population might affect the birth rate in a prey population.

• More predators → Higher birth rate → Larger prey population

• Fewer predators → Higher birth rate → Larger prey population

• More predators → Lower birth rate → Larger prey population

• Fewer predators → Lower birth rate → Smaller prey population

Answer explanation

Fewer predators lead to less predation pressure, allowing more prey to survive and reproduce. This results in a higher birth rate and ultimately a larger prey population.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the effects of habitat destruction on the death rate in a population of mammals. What might be a consequence of this change?

• A decrease in the death rate due to more available habitat.

• An increase in the death rate due to less available habitat.

• No change in the death rate.

• An increase in the birth rate.

Answer explanation

Habitat destruction reduces the living space and resources for mammals, leading to increased competition and stress. This typically results in an increase in the death rate due to less available habitat.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking