Q: A population of frogs is estimated using the mark-recapture method. In the first capture, 40 frogs are marked ($$S = 40). In $$the second capture, 100 frogs are caught ($$n = 100$$), and 20 of them are marked ($$x = 20). $$What is the estimated population size ($$N$$)?

$$N = \frac{S \times n}{x} = \frac{40 \times 100}{20} = 200$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of ecosystem ecology?

Accepted Answer

The analysis of energy flow and nutrient cycling between living and nonliving components.

Question 2

A population of frogs is estimated using the mark-recapture method. In the first capture, 40 frogs are marked ($$S = 40). In $$the second capture, 100 frogs are caught ($$n = 100$$), and 20 of them are marked ($$x = 20). $$What is the estimated population size ($$N$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{S 	imes n}{x} = \frac{40 	imes 100}{20} = 200$$

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor that regulates population growth?

Accepted Answer

Competition for food resources

Question 4

A population has a birth rate ($$b) of 0.08 $$and a death rate ($$m) of 0.05. $$What is the population growth rate ($$r$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$r = b - m = 0.08 - 0.05 = 0.03$$

Question 5

Which dispersion pattern is most likely observed in a population of sea stars clustered around food-rich areas?

Accepted Answer

Clumped dispersion

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why deserts are commonly found near 30° latitude?

Accepted Answer

Dry air descending from global circulation patterns

Question 7

A species produces many offspring with little parental care, resulting in high early mortality but long-lived survivors. Which survivorship curve describes this pattern?

Accepted Answer

Type III

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary abiotic factor that can limit the distribution of aquatic organisms?

Accepted Answer

Salinity

Question 9

Which research question would most likely be addressed by a population ecologist?

Accepted Answer

How does the birth rate of a population change in response to food availability?

Question 10

Which formula is used to estimate population size using the mark-recapture method?

Accepted Answer

$$N = \frac{S 	imes n}{x}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of carrying capacity ($$K$$)?

Accepted Answer

The maximum population size an environment can sustain

Question 12

Which life history strategy is favored in unstable environments and involves a single reproductive event?

Accepted Answer

Semelparity

Question 13

Which of the following is a practical reason for studying species distributions?

Accepted Answer

To predict climate change effects and plan conservation strategies

Question 14

A population of birds shows a straight-line decline in survivorship across all ages. Which survivorship curve does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Type II

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a component of climate?

Accepted Answer

Soil nutrients

Question 16

Which population growth model is described by an S-shaped curve and slows as resources become limited?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth

Question 17

Which of the following best describes biogeography?

Accepted Answer

The field that explains species distribution over time

Question 18

Which of the following is a feature of r-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Many offspring and early reproduction

Question 19

Which method would be most appropriate for estimating the population size of a highly mobile animal species?

Accepted Answer

Mark-recapture

Question 20

If a population's birth rate equals its death rate, what is the population's growth rate?

Accepted Answer

$$r = b - m = 0$$

Ecology and Population Dynamics: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards