Population Dynamics Quiz

Question 1

Exponential Growth

Answer 1

Populations grows without limit. Ex: human population.

Question 2

Logistic Growth

Answer 2

Population grows quickly at first and then levels off. Ex: most natural populations (fish, rabbits, trees, etc.)

Question 3

Carrying Capacity

Answer 3

The theoretical maximum population that a given environment could support.

Question 4

What is a high population density determined by?

Answer 4

Birth and Immigration

Question 5

What is a low population density determined by?

Answer 5

Death and Emigration

Question 6

Competition

Answer 6

A relationship that exists between two or more organisms that are fighting for the same resource

Question 7

Interspecific Competition

Answer 7

Where competition is occurring between different species

Question 8

Intraspecific Competition

Answer 8

Where competition is occurring within the same species

Question 9

Mutualism

Answer 9

Both organisms involved benefit. Helps both organisms survive.

Question 10

Commensalism

Answer 10

One organism is benefited while the other is unaffected (neither benefited nor harmed).

Question 11

Parasitism

Answer 11

One organism (parasite) benefits from the relationship, while the other organism (their host is harmed). However, it is crucial the parasite doesn’t kill the host, so that the parasite can survive and spread.

Question 12

Predation

Answer 12

One animal kills and eats another for food

Question 13

Predator

Answer 13

Organism hunting/killing another for food

Question 14

Prey

Answer 14

Organism killed/consumed as food

Question 15

Habitat

Answer 15

The actual area in the ecosystem where an organism lives, including all of its abiotic and biotic resources. Many organisms share a habitat.

Question 16

Niche

Answer 16

All the things an organism needs and does within its habitat - It’s “job” in the ecosystem. Each organism has its own niche.

Question 17

Is habitat a part of niche or… niche a part of habitat?

Answer 17

Habitat is a part of niche

Question 18

Limiting Factor

Answer 18

Aspects of the environment that limit the size a population can reach

Question 19

Density-Dependent Limiting Factors: Definition and Examples

Answer 19

Limiting factors that can be triggered by an increase in population size and thus crowding. They operate more strongly on large, dense populations than on smaller ones. Ex: Competition, Predation, Parasitism, Disease

Question 20

Density-Independent Limiting Factors: Definition and Examples

Answer 20

Limiting factors that regulate population growth regardless of its size or density. Nearly all species in an ecosystem are affected equally by density-independent limiting factors. Ex: Weather Changes, Pollution, Natural Disasters