Evolution

Question 1

What is an exotic (or introduced) species?

Answer 1

A species that is non-naturally occurring and introduced by humans

Exotic species can lead to species depletion due to lack of natural predators or diseases.

Question 2

What is one of the main causes of species depletion?

Answer 2

Human introduction of non-naturally occurring species

This process can disrupt local ecosystems.

Question 3

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 3

The maximum number of individuals of a species that can exist at one time in an ecosystem

Example: A population has a carrying capacity of 200.

Question 4

What does environmental resistance refer to?

Answer 4

Factors that limit the growth of a population

Includes decreasing oxygen supply, low food supply, disease, and predators.

Question 5

What are limits of tolerance?

Answer 5

The range of an abiotic factor that an organism can survive

Survival is impacted if conditions fall above or below this range.

Question 6

What are density-independent factors?

Answer 6

Factors that affect the population regardless of density

Examples include fires and floods.

Question 7

What are density-dependent factors?

Answer 7

Factors that affect the population because of its density

Examples include food supply, water quality, and disease.

Question 8

What is one method for determining population size?

Answer 8

Counting every individual

This method is accurate but can be time-consuming and expensive.

Question 9

What is a sampling method?

Answer 9

Counting small portions and taking an average to estimate population size

This method is less expensive and time-consuming.

Question 10

What is a long, rectangular area used for in population sampling?

Answer 10

It is used to sample organisms in large areas or moving organisms

This method helps in estimating populations over a wide area.

Question 11

What is the significance of space in relation to carrying capacity?

Answer 11

Space limits the carrying capacity of an ecosystem

Limited space can prevent populations from reaching their maximum capacity.

Question 12

What is exponential growth in population dynamics?

Answer 12

A rapid increase in population size when resources are abundant

This growth phase can lead to overshoot of carrying capacity.

Question 13

What is a lag phase in population growth?

Answer 13

The initial period where population growth is slow before accelerating

This phase occurs as the population adjusts to its environment.

Question 14

What is logistic growth in population dynamics?

Answer 14

Population growth that levels off as it approaches carrying capacity

This type of growth is characterized by an S-shaped curve.

Question 15

What is the equilibrium phase in population dynamics?

Answer 15

The stage where the population size stabilizes at carrying capacity

During this phase, birth and death rates are balanced.

Question 16

What is the Littoral Zone?

Answer 16

A region within an ecosystem where organisms are found along the shorelines of water bodies.

The Littoral Zone is often characterized by diverse habitats and niches for various species.

Question 17

What are biotic limiting factors?

Answer 17

Factors that limit biodiversity and population size, such as:
* Competition
* Predation
* Disease
* Food availability

These factors can significantly influence the survival and reproduction of species.

Question 18

What is biotic potential?

Answer 18

The maximum number of offspring a species can produce under unlimited resources.

This concept is crucial for understanding population growth dynamics.

Question 19

List the four factors that determine biotic potential.

Answer 19

• Birth potential
• Capacity for survival
• Breeding frequency
• Length of reproductive life

Each of these factors plays a role in how a population can grow under ideal conditions.

Question 20

What are limiting factors?

Answer 20

Conditions that prevent a population from reaching its biotic potential.

These factors can be biotic or abiotic and can significantly affect population dynamics.

Question 21

Name factors that cause population increase.

Answer 21

• Favorable abiotic conditions
• Sufficient food
• Few diseases
• Ability to compete for resources

These factors create an environment conducive to growth and reproduction.

Question 22

Name factors that cause population decrease.

Answer 22

• Unfavorable abiotic conditions
• Insufficient food
• High predation
• Many parasites/diseases
• Inability to compete for resources

These factors can lead to a decline in population size.

Question 23

What is intra-species competition?

Answer 23

Competition among members of the same species for resources.

This type of competition can lead to natural selection and affect population dynamics.

Question 24

What is interspecies competition?

Answer 24

Competition between members of different species.

This type of competition can impact biodiversity and community structure.

Question 25

What is the role of predator-prey relationships in population dynamics?

Answer 25

They can regulate population sizes, as seen in the relationship between wolves and moose. ## Footnote These interactions are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Question 26

What is parasitism?

Answer 26

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host). ## Footnote The host may be harmed but not always permanently.