WEEK 5_Ecology/Population Dynamics

Question 1

Ecology

Answer 1

scientific study of interactions between organisms and the environment

Question 2

Population Ecology

Answer 2

Study of populations in relation to their environment

Question 3

Population Ecology/ Ecology includes environmental influences on…(3)

Answer 3

1. Population density
2. Population disruption
3. Age structure
   * identifying the factors that cause changes*

Question 4

Population Density

Answer 4

number of individuals per unit area/volume

Question 5

Factors affecting population density

Answer 5

Births and Immigration (add to population)

Deaths and Emigration (remove from population)

Question 6

Estimate population densities and size using a variety of methods (4)

Answer 6

Direct counting
Random plots
Counting of indirect indicators 
Mark-Recapture
*we use these methods because direct count is mostly impractical or impossible*

Question 7

Dispersion

Answer 7

The pattern of spacing among individuals of the population.

Question 8

define Clumped Dispersion and this is determined by…(2 pts)

Answer 8

individuals aggregate in patches. This is determined by:

i. resource availability
ii. behaviour
example: pictures of packs of wolves, herds of bison, or constellation of starfish

Question 9

Uniform dispersion (2) and How do individuals maintain space? (2)

Answer 9

individuals are evenly distributed

i. competition for resource
ii. territoriality

example: a rookery (group) of penguins and bushes…maintaining a certain distance from each other.

Individuals maintain space by:

i. aggressive behavior
ii. soil toxins

Question 10

Random dispersion

Answer 10

the position of each individual is independent of the other individuals - absence of strong attractions or repulsions.

Quickly-changing factors (e.g. wind) determine the location of the organism in a habitat. (pictures of dandelion seeds, and razor clams)

Question 11

Demography (2)

Answer 11

Study of the vital statistics of a population.

i. how they change over time.
ii. birth rates and death rates.

Question 12

Life Table

Answer 12

an age-specific summary of the survival pattern of a population.

Question 13

A Life Table is best made by the following the fate of a _______ - group of individuals if the same age, selected for study.

Answer 13

Cohort

Question 14

Survivorship curve

Answer 14

graphic way of representing the data in a life table.