Population Dynamics and Ecological Relationships

The video discusses factors that limit population growth, known as limiting factors. These are divided into density dependent factors, which are influenced by population density, and density independent factors, which affect populations regardless of their size. Density dependent factors include competition, parasitism, disease, and stress from overcrowding, while density independent factors include natural disasters and unusual weather. The video also explores predator-prey and herbivory relationships, illustrating how these interactions affect population sizes.

What is the primary role of limiting factors in an environment?

• To increase the population size

• To eliminate competition

• To set the carrying capacity for species

• To promote disease spread

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor?

• Wildfires

• Competition for resources

• Unusual weather

• Natural disasters

How does competition affect population size?

• It promotes higher birth rates

• It decreases the need for shelter

• It limits the population size by using up resources

• It increases the availability of resources

Why do parasitism and disease have a greater impact in dense populations?

• Because resources are more abundant

• Because individuals are more spread out

• Because they spread more easily among closely packed individuals

• Because they are less likely to spread

What happens to the wolf population when the moose population increases?

• The wolf population decreases

• The wolf population migrates

• The wolf population remains the same

• The wolf population increases

In a predator-prey relationship, what typically happens when the prey population increases?

• The predator population decreases

• The predator population migrates

• The prey population becomes extinct

• The predator population increases

What is herbivory?

• When herbivores eat other animals

• When herbivores eat plants

• When plants eat herbivores

• When plants eat other plants

Which of the following is a density-independent factor?

• Predation

• Hurricanes

• Parasitism

• Competition for food

How do density-independent factors affect populations?

• They affect all populations regardless of size

• They only affect large populations

• They do not affect any populations

• They only affect small populations

What can happen to populations when density-independent factors are severe?

• Populations can increase

• Populations can remain stable

• Populations can thrive

• Populations can be wiped out