Population Ecology Quiz

What is the primary focus of population ecology?

• Understanding the chemical composition of ecosystems

• Analyzing population growth and limiting factors

• Studying individual organisms

• Examining the behavior of animals

Which of the following is a density-dependent limiting factor?

• Volcanic eruption

• Food shortage

• Earthquake

• Flood

How do density-independent factors affect populations?

• They only affect populations during certain seasons

• They affect all populations equally, regardless of size

• They are only significant in urban areas

• They have a greater effect on larger populations

Which event is an example of a density-independent factor?

• Predation

• Competition for food

• Territorial disputes

• Forest fire

What happens to a population's growth rate as it approaches carrying capacity?

• It becomes unpredictable

• It slows down

• It remains constant

• It increases exponentially

What is likely to cause a population to experience negative growth before reaching carrying capacity?

• Increase in food supply

• Introduction of a new competitor

• Expansion of territory

• Natural disaster

How can the introduction of a new species affect carrying capacity?

• It only affects carrying capacity if the species is a predator

• It always decreases carrying capacity

• It can either increase or decrease carrying capacity

• It has no effect on carrying capacity

What effect does the removal of a competing species have on carrying capacity?

• It increases carrying capacity

• It has no effect on carrying capacity

• It causes carrying capacity to fluctuate

• It decreases carrying capacity

Which factor can lead to a change in carrying capacity?

• Daily temperature fluctuations

• Seasonal weather changes

• Migration of birds

• Introduction of a new food source

What is a potential consequence of a species gaining additional territory?

• Immediate extinction

• No change in carrying capacity

• Increase in carrying capacity

• Decrease in population size