Ecology Unit: Carrying Capacity and Population Growth Curves

Which of the following is NOT an example of a limiting factor in population growth?

• Natural disasters

• Competition

• Photosynthesis

• Predation

What is a characteristic of density-dependent factors?

• They affect populations regardless of size.

• They operate strongly when population density is high.

• They are unrelated to population size.

• They only affect abiotic factors.

Which factor is considered density-independent?

• Competition

• Disease

• Predation

• Unusual weather

What does the term 'carrying capacity' refer to?

• The maximum number of individuals an environment can support

• The initial growth rate of a population

• The speed at which a population grows

• The minimum number of individuals needed for survival

What happens when a population surpasses its carrying capacity?

• It continues to grow indefinitely

• It stabilizes at a new higher level

• It becomes immune to limiting factors

• It depletes resources and growth slows

What shape does an exponential growth curve typically form?

• S curve

• U curve

• J curve

• L curve

In a logistic growth model, what happens after the initial exponential growth phase?

• The population declines rapidly

• The population continues to grow exponentially

• The population levels off around the carrying capacity

• The growth rate remains constant

Which type of growth is more sustainable for ecosystems?

• Linear growth

• Cyclic growth

• Logistic growth

• Exponential growth

What is the current trend in human population growth?

• Stable growth

• Declining growth

• Logistic growth

• Exponential growth

What is a potential consequence of human population reaching its carrying capacity?

• Resource depletion and potential decline

• Permanent exponential growth

• Increased biodiversity

• Unlimited resource availability