Applied Population Biology & Population Viability Analysis

Question 1

Natural History

Answer 1

A species’ distinctive ecological characteristics:
–  Habitat
–  Food
–  Behavior
–  Reproduction
A body of knowledge for a particular species.

Question 2

Determining Conservation Status of a Species or Population

Answer 2

1Gather information on a species.

2.   Identify gaps in literature
3.   Fieldwork

Question 3

Census

Answer 3

count of individuals in a population

–  Represents true N

Question 4

Survey

Answer 4

estimate population N
–  Scats, track plates, camera traps
–  Capture-mark-recapture
–  Genetic capture-mark-recapture

Question 5

Demographic studies

Answer 5

follow individuals to determine
reproduction, survival, N, and/or population growth.
–  Age and sex
–  Capture-mark-recapture

Question 6

•  Changes in N 

Answer 6

births, deaths, immigration, emigration

Question 7

Physiology

Answer 7

quantity of a resource needed for survival,

growth, and reproduction.

Question 8

Morphology

Answer 8

variation in size, shape, color

Question 9

Behavior

Answer 9

flexibility to adapt to novel environmental

conditions.

Question 10

Biotic interactions

Answer 10

Intraspecific competition

Question 11

Demography

Answer 11

Sex ratio, age structure, age-specific parameters

Question 12

Genetics

Answer 12

variation as savings to adapt to future

change.

Question 13

Biotic interactions

Answer 13

interspecific competition,

mutualisms.

Question 14

Environment

Answer 14

habitat 
availability, habitat 
accessibility, variability in 
environment in time and 
space.

Question 15

Distribution

Answer 15

where is the

species found?

Question 16

Anthropogenic

Answer 16

land

uses, human activities

Question 17

Population viability analysis

Answer 17

estimate the probability
that a population of a specified size will go extinct in a
specified length of time.

Question 18

Complex or simple mathematical and statistical models

Answer 18

Population growth models.

Question 19

Population Viability Analysis (PVA):

Answer 19

–  Effects of different threats or management practices on a
population
–  Identify vulnerable life history stages.
–  Examine effects of releasing new animals into a population