Question 1

The carrying capacity is the __________________.

Accepted Answer

The carrying capacity is defined as the maximum sustainable population that a given environment can support. It takes into account the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the species residing in that environment. Choice B is incorrect because carrying capacity applies to a single species and not the number of species in a community. Choice C is incorrect because carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size, not the potential growth in the number of species. Choice D is incorrect because it refers to the number of different niches possible, which is not related to carrying capacity. Choice E is incorrect because it refers to the average number of offspring carried to term by a species, which is not related to carrying capacity.

Question 2

What characteristics do humans share with r -selected species?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Population distribution describes __________________.

Accepted Answer

Population distribution refers to the way individuals of a single species are arranged within a particular area or ecosystem. It describes how individuals are spaced out, whether they are clumped together or more evenly spread out. It can also be influenced by factors such as resource availability and environmental conditions.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment, functioning together as a unit. In this scenario, the colony of leafcutter ants, the leaves they harvest, the fungi they cultivate and tend to, and the soil nutrients and moisture needed for their garden all work together to form a functioning unit, which is an example of an ecosystem. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Question 5

Groups of organisms with low biotic potential,such as gray whales, __________________.

Accepted Answer

Organisms with low biotic potential, such as gray whales, are adapted to stable environments and have a low reproductive rate. They are often K-selected species, which means they have adapted to exist near carrying capacity and invest heavily in the survival of their offspring.

Question 6

Mutation and __________________ are the key mechanisms that generate and maintain genetic variation among individuals in most populations.

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction, along with mutation, is a key mechanism that generates and maintains genetic variation among individuals in most populations by combining genetic material from two parents.

Question 7

Heavy rains and mudslides cause a river to change course,isolating two groups of lizards from one another.If they remain isolated for a long period of time,__________________ .

Accepted Answer

If the two groups of lizards remain isolated for a long period of time, they will no longer have gene flow between them. Over time, genetic differences will accumulate between the two groups, leading to divergence and potentially speciation. This process is known as allopatric speciation. Thus, the best choice is E.

Question 8

A niche specialist is __________________.

Accepted Answer

Niche specialists are adapted to specific environmental conditions and resources, making them more vulnerable to extinction if those conditions change, unlike niche generalists who can utilize a broader range of resources.

Question 9

Populations in which the probability of dying is constant at every age exemplify __________________.

Accepted Answer

Type II survivorship curves represent populations in which the mortality rate is constant throughout the lifespan of individuals. This means that the probability of dying is the same at any age, resulting in a linear decline in the survivorship curve. In contrast, Type I survivorship curves represent populations in which most individuals survive to old age, while Type III survivorship curves represent populations in which most individuals die young. Arithmetic growth refers to a linear increase in population size over time, while natural selection is a mechanism by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over time based on their effects on survival and reproduction.

Question 10

Unregulated populations tend to increase by __________________.

Accepted Answer

Unregulated populations tend to increase exponentially, meaning they will grow at an increasingly faster rate as the population size increases. This is because there are more individuals reproducing and contributing to the population each generation.

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record suggests that over 99% of all species that ever existed are now extinct, meaning that the number of species existing at one time has likely increased over history rather than decreased. Option A is incorrect as mass extinctions have occurred throughout history, some of which have led to very rapid and widespread extinctions. Option C is also incorrect as natural selection does not always favor complexity or larger size - it depends on the environment and specific selective pressures. Option E is incorrect as the earliest organisms were likely much less complex than modern organisms.

Question 12

A population is __________________.

Accepted Answer

A population is defined as a group of individuals of a single species that live and interact in one area.

Question 13

How do feral pigs relate to the malaria problem in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Feral pigs in Hawaii are known to create water holes in the rainforest floor through their digging activity, which can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The presence of mosquitoes increases the risk of malaria transmission to humans.

Question 14

At Hakalau Forest in __________________,ranchland is being restored to forest,invasive plants are being removed and native ones are being planted,and néné are being protected while new populations of them are being established.

Accepted Answer

The néné, also known as the Hawaiian goose, is native to Hawaii. Therefore, it is likely that Hakalau Forest is located in Hawaii.

Question 15

Extinction is __________________.

Accepted Answer

Extinction is a natural process that has occurred throughout the history of life on Earth, long before the arrival of humans.

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best describes a density -dependent factor limiting population growth?

Accepted Answer

A dry summer causing limited availability of resources (ponds) leads to increased competition and aggression among the population of ducks, which is a density-dependent factor limiting population growth. The other options, which involve blizzards, storms, individual snow or herbicide, are not density-dependent factors.

Question 17

High population density can __________________.

Accepted Answer

High population density can increase the incidence of disease transmission as it provides more opportunities for the spread of infectious agents.

Question 18

Use the accompanying figure to answer the following question
-Organisms that are closely related have a recent common ancestor.Of the following,which choice lists organisms that are most closely related to each other?

Accepted Answer

The answer of  
Use the accompanying figure to answer...

Question 19

Endemic species __________________.

Accepted Answer

Endemic species are unique to and found only in a specific geographic location or habitat. They are adapted to the specific environmental conditions and usually have a limited distribution range.

Question 20

Which of the following descriptions of a hummingbird best describes its niche?

Accepted Answer

A niche refers to the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its diet, behavior, and interactions with other species. Eating mosquitoes describes a specific ecological role.

Quiz 3: Evolution,biodiversity,and Population Ecology