Ecology SOL Unit 4.4 - Survivorship Curves

What does a survivorship curve show?

• The number of offspring produced by an organism

• The fraction of a starting group that remains alive at each successive age

• The carrying capacity of an environment

Answer explanation

A survivorship curve illustrates the fraction of a starting group that remains alive at each successive age, highlighting patterns of mortality and survival in a population over time.

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In logistical growth, what happens to the per capita growth rate as the population size approaches carrying capacity?

• It increases.

• It remains constant.

• It gets smaller.

Answer explanation

In logistical growth, as the population size approaches carrying capacity, resources become limited, leading to a decrease in the per capita growth rate. Thus, the correct answer is that it gets smaller.

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What is the carrying capacity?

• The maximum number of offspring an organism can produce

• The maximum population size imposed by limited resources

• The minimum population size needed for survival

Answer explanation

The carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustain based on available resources. This makes 'The maximum population size imposed by limited resources' the correct choice.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

Which type of survivorship curve is typical for humans?

• Type I

• Type II

• Type III

Answer explanation

Type I survivorship curves are characterized by high survival rates in early and middle life, typical for humans, who tend to live long lives with most mortality occurring in older age.

What is the pattern of the graph for Dall Mountain Sheep?

• The survival rate increases with age.

• The survival rate remains constant.

• The survival rate declines quickly after birth.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the survival rate declines quickly after birth, indicating that young Dall Mountain Sheep face significant mortality risks shortly after they are born.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which type of growth can be exponential?

• Logistical Growth

• Random Growth

• Exponential Growth

Answer explanation

Exponential Growth is characterized by a constant rate of growth, leading to rapid increases over time. Unlike logistical or random growth, it specifically describes a scenario where the growth accelerates continuously.

What does the graph of logistical growth look like?

• U-shaped curve

• S-shaped curve

• J-shaped curve

Answer explanation

The graph of logistical growth is characterized by an S-shaped curve, also known as a sigmoid curve. It starts with slow growth, accelerates in the middle, and then levels off as it approaches the carrying capacity.

Which of the following is a characteristic of exponential growth?

• Growth rate decreases as population size increases.

• Growth rate remains constant regardless of population size.

• Growth rate stops as population size increases.

Answer explanation

Exponential growth is characterized by a constant growth rate, meaning the population increases by the same proportion over time, regardless of its size. This distinguishes it from other growth patterns.

What type of curve is associated with exponential growth?

• U-shaped curve

• J-shaped curve

• S-shaped curve

Answer explanation

Exponential growth is represented by a J-shaped curve, which shows a rapid increase in quantity over time. Initially, growth is slow, but it accelerates, creating the characteristic J shape.

What is a potential consequence of exponential growth in a population?

• Unlimited growth

• Resource depletion

• Constant population size

• Decreased growth rate

Answer explanation

Exponential growth in a population can lead to resource depletion, as the demand for food, water, and space increases rapidly, potentially exceeding the available resources.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-1

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