Bio Test 4 (Ch.14)

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  • 1/47 Questions

    Which of the following mammals would you expect to have the shortest gestation period?

    • An elephant
    • A giraffe
    • A mouse
    • A chimpanzee
    • A human
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About This Quiz

Bio Test 4 (Ch. 14) assesses understanding of ecological principles affecting population dynamics. It covers density-dependent factors, population cycles, growth models, and life-history strategies, essential for students in biology and ecology.

Bio Test 4 (Ch.14) - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Life histories are based on:

    • The age at death

    • The age of reproduction and number of reproductive events

    • Litter size

    • The rate of growth and development

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Life histories are based on various factors such as the age at death, the age of reproduction and number of reproductive events, litter size, and the rate of growth and development. These factors collectively contribute to understanding the life history of an organism. The age at death provides information about the lifespan, while the age of reproduction and number of reproductive events indicate the reproductive strategy. Litter size is a crucial aspect of reproductive success, and the rate of growth and development reflects the overall life cycle of the organism. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors are considered while studying life histories.

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  • 3. 

    The age-structure diagram of a human population in a developing country has the shape of:

    • An hourglass

    • A pyramid

    • A totem pole

    • A funnel

    • A rectangle

    Correct Answer
    A. A pyramid
    Explanation
    The age-structure diagram of a human population in a developing country has the shape of a pyramid. This indicates that the population has a high proportion of young individuals and a decreasing proportion of older individuals. This is typically seen in countries with high birth rates and limited access to healthcare and education. As the population progresses and development occurs, the pyramid shape may shift towards a more rectangular shape, indicating a more balanced age distribution.

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  • 4. 

    What may happen when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

    • The population will slowly decline until it reaches its carrying capacity and fluctuate about that number

    • The level of resources in the habitat will increase equally

    • The carrying capacity is not important but the population pyramid increases

    • The population may shoot past its carrying capacity too quickly then crash

    • Both a) and d) are possible

    Correct Answer
    A. Both a) and d) are possible
    Explanation
    When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, two possible outcomes are likely to occur. Firstly, the population may slowly decline until it reaches its carrying capacity. This decline is due to limited resources and increased competition for those resources. Secondly, the population may shoot past its carrying capacity too quickly, leading to a sudden crash. This rapid increase in population can deplete resources rapidly, causing a sharp decline in population numbers. Both scenarios, a gradual decline and a sudden crash, are possible when a population exceeds its carrying capacity.

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  • 5. 

    If there are 500 individuals in a population at the start of a year, and during the year 125 offspring are produced in that population, then the annual birth rate is:

    • .5

    • .25

    • 1.25

    • 125

    • The annual birth rate cannot be computed from the information provided

    Correct Answer
    A. .25
    Explanation
    The annual birth rate can be calculated by dividing the number of offspring produced during the year (125) by the initial population (500). This calculation gives us a birth rate of 0.25, which means that on average, each individual in the population produces 0.25 offspring per year.

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  • 6. 

    A population with an S-shaped growth curve is said to exhibit ___________ growth.

    • Expotential

    • Negative

    • Logistic

    • Density-independent

    • Density-dependent

    Correct Answer
    A. Logistic
    Explanation
    A population with an S-shaped growth curve is said to exhibit logistic growth. This type of growth occurs when a population initially grows rapidly, but eventually levels off and stabilizes at the carrying capacity of its environment. This is in contrast to exponential growth, which is characterized by continuous and unrestricted growth. Logistic growth is influenced by factors such as limited resources and competition, making it a density-dependent process.

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  • 7. 

    As of 2008, approximatley how many humans live on Earth?

    • 6 million

    • 60 million

    • 6 billion

    • 60 billion

    • 600 million

    Correct Answer
    A. 6 billion
    Explanation
    As of 2008, the approximate number of humans living on Earth was 6 billion.

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  • 8. 

    Disease is spread more quickly between individuals who live in close proximity, such as in a nesting colony of penguins. Disease can be considered a:

    • Factor that increases carrying capacity

    • Density-independent factor

    • Density-dependent factor

    • Expotential growth factor

    • Factor that causes a greater birth rate than death rate

    Correct Answer
    A. Density-dependent factor
    Explanation
    Disease being spread more quickly between individuals who live in close proximity suggests that it is influenced by the density of the population. This is because the closer individuals are to each other, the easier it is for the disease to spread from one individual to another. Therefore, disease can be considered a density-dependent factor, as its impact is dependent on the density or closeness of the population.

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  • 9. 

    When a population grows in proportion to its size (E.g. bigger populations grow faster), that population is experiencing _______________ growth.

    • Density-dependent

    • Capacity

    • Exponential

    • Density-independent

    • Logistic

    Correct Answer
    A. Exponential
    Explanation
    Exponential growth occurs when a population grows at an accelerating rate, proportional to its current size. This means that as the population gets larger, it grows even faster. In this scenario, the population is not limited by any factors such as available resources or competition, so it can continue to grow without any constraints. Therefore, the correct answer is exponential growth.

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  • 10. 

    The population size that a particular habitat can support indefinitley is called the:

    • Realized niche

    • Intristic population size

    • Fundamental niche

    • Carrying capactiy

    • Community

    Correct Answer
    A. Carrying capactiy
    Explanation
    The term "carrying capacity" refers to the maximum number of individuals that a habitat can sustain indefinitely. It represents the balance between available resources and the population's needs. When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, it can lead to resource depletion and negative impacts on the environment. Therefore, the correct answer is carrying capacity.

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  • 11. 

    A life history of an organism does NOT consist of the organisms:

    • Death

    • Birth

    • Growth to maturity

    • Size

    • None of the above; all are part of an organisms life history

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the above; all are part of an organisms life history
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "none of the above; all are part of an organism's life history." This means that all the options listed (death, birth, growth to maturity, and size) are included in an organism's life history. The life history of an organism encompasses its entire life cycle, including its birth, growth, reproduction, and death. Additionally, factors such as size can also be important in understanding an organism's life history, as it can influence its behavior, survival, and reproductive strategies. Therefore, all of these elements are considered part of an organism's life history.

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  • 12. 

    A population of scarab beetles has an annual per capita birth rate of 0.8 and an annual per capita death rate of 0.5. Estimate the number of individuals added to or lost from a population of 1000 individuals in one year.

    • 500 individuals lost

    • 300 individuals added

    • 50 individuals lost

    • 30 individuals added

    • 3000 individuals added

    Correct Answer
    A. 300 individuals added
    Explanation
    The per capita birth rate of 0.8 means that on average, each individual beetle gives birth to 0.8 offspring in a year. The per capita death rate of 0.5 means that on average, each individual beetle dies at a rate of 0.5 per year. To estimate the number of individuals added or lost from the population, we subtract the death rate from the birth rate and multiply it by the initial population size. In this case, (0.8 - 0.5) * 1000 = 0.3 * 1000 = 300 individuals added.

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  • 13. 

    In the lynx-snowshoe hare oscillating cycle of population growth, when the hare population size grows, more food is provided for the lynx. Which is the IMMEDIATE next step in the cycle?

    • The lynx population crashes

    • The lynx reproduce at a higher rate

    • The food source for the rabbits increases

    • The hare population crashes

    • The hare population grows furthur

    Correct Answer
    A. The lynx reproduce at a higher rate
    Explanation
    When the hare population size grows, more food is provided for the lynx. This increase in available food allows the lynx to have better access to resources, leading to improved reproductive success. As a result, the lynx population will reproduce at a higher rate in order to take advantage of the abundant food supply. This increase in lynx reproduction is the immediate next step in the cycle of population growth between lynx and snowshoe hare.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which humans have so far avoided growth beyond their carrying capacity?

    • The ablility to live in higher densities than before

    • The ability to expand into new habitats

    • The ability to curve previously fatal diseases

    • The ability to produce more food with that previously possible

    • All of the above are mechanisms by which humans have avoided reaching their carrying capacity

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above are mechanisms by which humans have avoided reaching their carrying capacity
    Explanation
    Humans have avoided growth beyond their carrying capacity through various mechanisms. They have been able to live in higher densities than before, which allows for more efficient use of resources. Additionally, humans have expanded into new habitats, which has provided them with access to additional resources. Furthermore, the ability to cure previously fatal diseases has increased human survival rates, preventing population growth from exceeding carrying capacity. Lastly, advancements in agricultural practices have enabled humans to produce more food than previously possible, supporting larger populations. Therefore, all of the given options are mechanisms by which humans have avoided reaching their carrying capacity.

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  • 15. 

    Natural selection:

    • Leads to an increase in the frequency of any illness-inducing alleles that have their effect when an organism can reproduce

    • Can influence aging but not longevity

    • Does not influence aging because aging is determined by an individuals environment

    • Cannot weed out from a population any alleles that do not reduce an individuals relative reproductive success, even if these alleles increase an individuals risk of dying

    • Cannot reduce the frequency of alleles that cause mortality among individuals who have not yet reached the age of maturity

    Correct Answer
    A. Cannot weed out from a population any alleles that do not reduce an individuals relative reproductive success, even if these alleles increase an individuals risk of dying
    Explanation
    Natural selection can only act on traits that affect an individual's reproductive success. If an allele increases an individual's risk of dying but does not impact their ability to reproduce, natural selection cannot eliminate it from the population. This is because the allele does not directly affect an individual's relative reproductive success. Therefore, even if the allele increases the risk of dying, it will not be weeded out by natural selection.

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  • 16. 

    If r= 1.05 for a population at a given time (t) when N= 100 , what will the population size be at time t+2 (two generations later)?

    • 105

    • 110

    • 111

    • 100

    • It could be b) and c)

    Correct Answer
    A. 110
    Explanation
    The population size at time t+2 will be larger than the initial population size at time t because the growth rate (r) is greater than 1. The growth rate of 1.05 indicates that the population is increasing by 5% per generation. Therefore, the population size at time t+2 will be 105 multiplied by 1.05, resulting in a population size of 110.

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  • 17. 

    Which statement best describes expectations for world human population by the year 2010?

    • The problem is to complex to make accurate predictions

    • It will drop below 6 billion if the current rate of decrease continues

    • It will exceed 10 billion if the current rate of increases continues

    • It will exceed 7 billion if the current rate of increases continues

    • Negative growth in the united states and europe will counterbalance positive growth in developing countries

    Correct Answer
    A. It will exceed 7 billion if the current rate of increases continues
    Explanation
    The statement "it will exceed 7 billion if the current rate of increases continues" best describes expectations for world human population by the year 2010. This suggests that based on the current rate of population growth, the world population is projected to surpass 7 billion.

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  • 18. 

    Life-history patterns:

    • Exist only in organisms that exhibit parental care

    • Show up in the fossils of plants

    • Have no genetic component

    • Are usually learned

    • Are subject to the pressures of natural selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Are subject to the pressures of natural selection
    Explanation
    Life-history patterns are subject to the pressures of natural selection because they are traits that affect an organism's survival and reproductive success. These patterns, such as the timing of reproduction, number of offspring produced, and lifespan, are influenced by environmental factors and the availability of resources. Organisms with life-history patterns that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation, leading to the evolution of these traits over time.

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  • 19. 

    A primary difference in the age-pyramids of industrialized versus third-world countries is that:

    • Third-world countries have much larger proportions of their population in the youngest age group

    • In third-world countries the few that survive childhood live to a very old age

    • Third-world countries show a characteristic "bulge" that indicates a baby boom

    • Third world countries have significantly more individuals than industrialized countries

    • Mean longevity is significantly greater among third- world countries

    Correct Answer
    A. Third-world countries have much larger proportions of their population in the youngest age group
    Explanation
    In the age-pyramids of industrialized countries, the proportion of the population in the youngest age group is smaller compared to third-world countries. This means that third-world countries have a higher percentage of young individuals in their population. This could be due to factors such as higher birth rates, limited access to healthcare and family planning, and lower life expectancy.

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  • 20. 

    A population:

    • Is a group of coexisiting organisms capable of interbreeding

    • Consists of the interactions of two different species

    • Consists of any organisms of the same species

    • Consists of all the breeding individuals in a group

    • Consists of all of the organisms of a particular habitat

    Correct Answer
    A. Is a group of coexisiting organisms capable of interbreeding
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "is a group of coexisting organisms capable of interbreeding." This definition accurately describes a population as a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area and are capable of reproducing with one another. This definition emphasizes the importance of interbreeding as a defining characteristic of a population. It distinguishes a population from a community, which consists of interactions between different species, and from a habitat, which refers to a specific environment where organisms live.

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  • 21. 

    In a population exhibiting logistic growth, the rate of the population growth is greatest when N is:

    • Above the carrying capacity

    • 0

    • K

    • 0.5 K

    • All of the above are correct because the rate of population growth is constant in logistic growth

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.5 K
    Explanation
    In a population exhibiting logistic growth, the rate of population growth is greatest when the population size (N) is at half of the carrying capacity (0.5 K). This is because at this point, the population is growing at its maximum potential rate due to the optimal balance between available resources and population size. As the population size increases beyond half of the carrying capacity, the rate of growth starts to slow down due to limited resources and increased competition. Similarly, when the population size is below half of the carrying capacity or at 0, the rate of growth is also lower as there are still ample resources available for the population to grow.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following statements about maximum sustainable yield is incorrect?

    • The maximum sustainable yield for a population can be difficult to determine because it is not always possible to accurately measure N

    • The maximum sustainable yield for a population is a useful management guideline for harvesting plant products such as timber, but it is not helpful for managing animal populations

    • The maximum sustainable yield for a population is the population growth rate at k/2

    • The maximum sustainable yield for a population can be difficult to determine because it is not always possible to accurately measure K

    • The concept of maximum sustainable yield can generate useful information for fighting the growth of pest species

    Correct Answer
    A. The maximum sustainable yield for a population is a useful management guideline for harvesting plant products such as timber, but it is not helpful for managing animal populations
    Explanation
    The statement that the maximum sustainable yield for a population is a useful management guideline for harvesting plant products such as timber, but it is not helpful for managing animal populations is incorrect. The concept of maximum sustainable yield is applicable to both plant and animal populations and can be used as a management tool for sustainable harvesting and conservation of natural resources.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is NOT true about a population?

    • Birth and death rates are features of a population

    • A population contains a group of individuals of the same species

    • Individuals are not "endangered" but populations can be

    • Members of the same population can mate with each other

    • Individuals within a population undergo genetic change

    Correct Answer
    A. Individuals within a population undergo genetic change
    Explanation
    The given statement is not true because individuals within a population do not undergo genetic change. Genetic changes occur through the process of evolution, which happens over multiple generations and affects the population as a whole. While individuals may have genetic variations, it is the population as a whole that undergoes genetic change through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow.

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  • 24. 

    In logistic population growth, as the population size, N, approaches the environments carrying capacity, K, what happens to the rate of population increase?

    • It remains the same

    • It approaches 0

    • It remains at K/2

    • It increases expotentially

    • It remains at N/K

    Correct Answer
    A. It approaches 0
    Explanation
    As the population size approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, the resources available for the population become limited. This leads to increased competition for resources and a decrease in the rate of population increase. Eventually, the rate of population increase approaches zero as the population reaches its maximum sustainable size.

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  • 25. 

    A survivorship curve that had low survivorship in the beginning and stabilized after high initial mortality would be characterisitic for which type of organism?

    • Birds of prey

    • Hummingbirds

    • Cod

    • Elephants

    • Rodents

    Correct Answer
    A. Cod
    Explanation
    A survivorship curve that had low survivorship in the beginning and stabilized after high initial mortality would be characteristic for cod. Cod are a type of fish that typically experience high mortality rates during their early life stages, with many individuals dying shortly after hatching. However, those that do survive this initial period have a higher chance of reaching adulthood and have a relatively stable survivorship rate thereafter. This pattern is commonly observed in species with high reproductive output but high juvenile mortality rates, such as fish species like cod.

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  • 26. 

    The purpose of a population model is to:

    • Test the effectivness of conservation plans

    • Demonstrate the effective population size of an endangered species

    • Predict or explain changes in an organisms abundance from one generation to the next

    • Graph changes in a population over time

    • Estimate the death rate of the population from one generation to the next

    Correct Answer
    A. Predict or explain changes in an organisms abundance from one generation to the next
    Explanation
    A population model is a tool used to predict or explain changes in the abundance of organisms from one generation to the next. It helps in understanding how factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration affect the population size. By using mathematical equations and statistical methods, population models can estimate future population trends and provide insights into the dynamics and behavior of populations. These models are crucial in ecological research, conservation planning, and management of endangered species.

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  • 27. 

    The term [(K-N)/K] influences a population growth curve such that:

    • As K overtakes K, a populations biotic potential decreases

    • As N approaches K, the birthrate approaches zero

    • When K is small, mortality rates are the lowest

    • The increase in actual population numbers is greatest when N is small

    • When N equals K, population growth is zero

    Correct Answer
    A. When N equals K, population growth is zero
    Explanation
    When N equals K, population growth is zero. This is because N represents the population size, and K represents the carrying capacity of the environment, which is the maximum number of individuals that the environment can support sustainably. When the population size (N) equals the carrying capacity (K), it means that the population has reached its maximum sustainable size, and there is no more room for growth. At this point, the birthrate equals the death rate, resulting in zero population growth.

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  • 28. 

    Our understanding of the oscillating population cycle of the lynx and snowshoe hare, pictured above, comes from the detailed records kept by the Hudsons Bay Company, beginning in the 17th century, of the numbers of pelts it purchased from fur trappers. Which of the following , if true, would be a reason to suspect the populations actually exhibited the oscillating pattern shown?

    • The value of hare pelts and lynx pelts oscillated in response to the size of the hare and lynx populations

    • Lynx pelts are better for keeping trappers warm in the winter, and, therefore, trappers kept more of the lynx pelts for themselves

    • The hudsons bay company only purchased from french trappers and did not purchase from the native american trappers

    • All of the above would be reasons to suspect the populations actually exhibited the oscillating pattern shown

    • Only b) and c) would be reasons to suspect the populations actually exhibited the oscillating pattern shown

    Correct Answer
    A. Lynx pelts are better for keeping trappers warm in the winter, and, therefore, trappers kept more of the lynx pelts for themselves
    Explanation
    The fact that lynx pelts are better for keeping trappers warm in the winter and that trappers kept more of the lynx pelts for themselves suggests that the population of lynx and snowshoe hare actually exhibited the oscillating pattern shown. This is because if the populations were not actually oscillating, there would be no reason for trappers to selectively keep more lynx pelts. The preference for lynx pelts indicates that there were periods when the lynx population was larger and the hare population was smaller, leading to an increase in lynx pelts available for trapping.

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  • 29. 

    Expotential growth can continue indefinitley only if:

    • The population starts out in a new habitat

    • The carrying capacity of the habitat (K) is very high

    • There is no carrying capacity of the habitat

    • The population starts out high but grows slowly

    • None of the above is correct; expotential growth cannot continue indefinetly

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the above is correct; expotential growth cannot continue indefinetly
    Explanation
    Exponential growth cannot continue indefinitely because it is limited by the carrying capacity of the habitat. The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that can be sustained by the available resources in the habitat. As the population size approaches the carrying capacity, resources become limited and growth slows down until it eventually levels off. Therefore, none of the given options are correct as they do not account for the limitation imposed by the carrying capacity.

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  • 30. 

    In general, there is a positive correlation between body size and generation time. This statement is:

    • True; however, after reaching a certain body size, this correlation levels off

    • False; however, there is a correlation between body size and type of survivorship curve

    • True; larger animals tend to have a longer generation time

    • True; larger animals tend to have fewer offspring

    • False; the correlation is between small body size and longer generation time

    Correct Answer
    A. True; larger animals tend to have a longer generation time
    Explanation
    Larger animals generally have a longer generation time because they take longer to reach sexual maturity and reproduce. This is due to their slower growth rate and longer lifespan compared to smaller animals. As body size increases, the time required for development and reaching sexual maturity also increases, resulting in a positive correlation between body size and generation time. However, it is important to note that this correlation levels off after reaching a certain body size, indicating that there is a limit to how much body size affects generation time.

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  • 31. 

    Which of the following shows the correct order of ecological levels, from lowest to highest in complexity?

    • Individuals > populations > ecosystems > communites

    • Communites > populations > ecosystems > individuals

    • Ecosystems > communites > individuals > communities

    • Populations > communities > individuals > ecosystems

    • None of the above correctly shows the order from lowest to highest

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the above correctly shows the order from lowest to highest
  • 32. 

    In 1900, the world had a human population of approximately _____________________, and, in 2000, the world had a human population of approximatley __________________.

    • 2.5 billion; 5.2 billion

    • 2.8 billion; 4.4 billion

    • 550 million; 7.4 billion

    • 4.3 billion; 6.7 billion

    • 1.6 billion; 6.1 billion

    Correct Answer
    A. 1.6 billion; 6.1 billion
    Explanation
    In 1900, the world had a human population of approximately 1.6 billion. This means that there were around 1.6 billion people living on Earth during that time. In 2000, the world had a human population of approximately 6.1 billion. This means that there were around 6.1 billion people living on Earth during that time.

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  • 33. 

    The purpose of a population model is to:

    • Test the effectiveness of conservation plans

    • Demonstrate the effective population size of an endangered species

    • Graph changes in a population over time

    • Estimate the death rate of the population from one generation to the next

    • Predict or explain changes in an organisms abundance from one generation to the next

    Correct Answer
    A. Predict or explain changes in an organisms abundance from one generation to the next
    Explanation
    A population model is a tool used to predict or explain changes in the abundance of organisms from one generation to the next. It helps scientists understand how factors such as birth rate, death rate, migration, and environmental changes can affect the size and dynamics of a population over time. By using population models, researchers can make predictions about the future of a population and develop strategies for conservation and management.

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  • 34. 

    Approximatley what was the human population of the world in the year 1950?

    • 2.5 billion

    • 650 million

    • 1.6 billion

    • 4.8 billion

    • 850 million

    Correct Answer
    A. 2.5 billion
    Explanation
    In the year 1950, the human population of the world was approximately 2.5 billion.

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  • 35. 

    The death rate of organisms in a population exhibiting a type 3 survivorship curve is:

    • Unrelated to age

    • Lower after the organisms survive to the critical age of establishment

    • Usually correlated with density-independent causes

    • Higher in post-reproductive than in pre-reproductive years

    • More or less constant throughout their lives

    Correct Answer
    A. Lower after the organisms survive to the critical age of establishment
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "lower after the organisms survive to the critical age of establishment." In a type 3 survivorship curve, the death rate is high for young organisms but decreases significantly once they reach a certain age. This critical age of establishment is when the organisms have overcome the initial challenges and have a higher chance of survival. After this age, the death rate tends to be lower, indicating that the organisms have a higher likelihood of surviving and reaching reproductive age.

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  • 36. 

    During the period from 25,000 to 10,000 years ago, when people were gatherer -hunters, the rate of the population increase was slow; but from 10,000 to 5,000 years ago there was a dramatic increase in growth rate. Which of these factors is MOST LIKELY to have contributed to this increase?

    • Change from nomadic to a more settled life style, making larger families more manageable

    • Changes in nutrition during the agricultural revolution that caused an increase in death rate

    • Cultural changes leading to a breakdown of mechanisms that controlled the birth rate

    • An increased division labor, leading to stratification of social classes

    • A decreased vulnerablility to infectious disease in agricultural communities

    Correct Answer
    A. Change from nomadic to a more settled life style, making larger families more manageable
    Explanation
    The most likely factor that contributed to the dramatic increase in growth rate from 10,000 to 5,000 years ago is the change from a nomadic to a more settled lifestyle, making larger families more manageable. This change would have allowed people to have a more stable and secure environment, which would have made it easier to raise larger families. In a nomadic lifestyle, it would have been more difficult to provide for and care for larger families, which could have limited population growth. By transitioning to a settled lifestyle, people would have had access to more resources and support systems, allowing them to have more children and ultimately leading to a higher population growth rate.

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  • 37. 

    On average, which leaves more offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce: a pair of elephants or a pair of rabbits?

    • The pair of elephants will leave more, because any individual elephant born is more likely to survive to become an adult and reproduce

    • The pair of rabbits will leave more, because they reach sexual maturity more rapidly

    • If both populations are stable, then the pair of elephants and the pair of rabbits will leave the same number of offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce

    • The pair of elephants will leave more, because healthy elephants often have twins

    • The pair of rabbits will leave more, because they have so many more offspring per breeding season than do the pair of elephants

    Correct Answer
    A. If both populations are stable, then the pair of elephants and the pair of rabbits will leave the same number of offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that if both populations are stable, then the pair of elephants and the pair of rabbits will leave the same number of offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce. This is because the question states that the average number of offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce is being compared, and if both populations are stable, it means that the survival and reproduction rates are similar for both elephants and rabbits. Therefore, the number of offspring that survive to become adults and reproduce will be the same for both species.

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  • 38. 

    The "demographic transistion" seen in human population ultmately results in:

    • High birth rates and low death rates

    • High birth rates and high death rates

    • Low birth rates and low death rates

    • No births and no deaths

    • None of the above is correct

    Correct Answer
    A. Low birth rates and low death rates
    Explanation
    The demographic transition refers to the shift in population from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates. This transition occurs as a result of various factors such as improved healthcare, education, and economic development. As societies progress, they tend to experience a decrease in both birth and death rates, leading to a more stable population growth. Therefore, the correct answer is "low birth rates and low death rates."

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  • 39. 

    The demographic transistion:

    • Includes a decrease in the death rate followed by a decrease in the birth rate as a population becomes industrialized

    • Includes an increase in birth rate and then an increase in death rate

    • Occurs in predator-prey pairs, such as the lynx and hare, whose population sizes cycle regularly

    • Includes a decrease in the birth rate followed by a decrease in the death rate as a population becomes industrialized

    • Is characterized by an increase in a populations growth rate

    Correct Answer
    A. Includes a decrease in the death rate followed by a decrease in the birth rate as a population becomes industrialized
    Explanation
    The demographic transition refers to the changes in birth and death rates that occur as a population becomes industrialized. Initially, the death rate decreases due to improvements in healthcare and living conditions. This is followed by a decrease in the birth rate as people have access to contraception, education, and better economic opportunities. This transition is a common pattern observed in many countries as they develop economically and socially.

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  • 40. 

    Which of the following is TRUE about estimating human carrying capacity?

    • Humans are currently living in all potentials habitats offered on Earth

    • Technological innovations usually decrease carrying capacity

    • Quality of life is rarely a factor used in determining the carrying capacity

    • The united states is a model country when it comes to sustainable living

    • Some countries have more resources than their populations can currently use

    Correct Answer
    A. Some countries have more resources than their populations can currently use
    Explanation
    Some countries have more resources than their populations can currently use. This means that these countries have a surplus of resources, which indicates that their carrying capacity is not being fully utilized.

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  • 41. 

    Which of the following statements about the hazard factor of a population is incorrect?

    • It is relatively low when populations have few predators

    • It is responsible for the rate of aging among the individuals in a population

    • It is a measure of organisms' risk of death from external sources

    • It is a measure of how quickly the indivduals in a population age

    • It is higher for a population of porcupines than for a population of guinea pigs

    Correct Answer
    A. It is higher for a population of porcupines than for a population of guinea pigs
    Explanation
    The hazard factor of a population is not higher for a population of porcupines than for a population of guinea pigs. The hazard factor is a measure of organisms' risk of death from external sources, not a measure of how quickly the individuals in a population age. It is responsible for the rate of aging among the individuals in a population. Additionally, it is relatively low when populations have few predators. Therefore, the correct statement is that the hazard factor is higher for a population of porcupines than for a population of guinea pigs.

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  • 42. 

    How does expotential growth differ from logistic growth?

    • The logistic model of growth incorporates enviromental limitations on population size

    • Expontential growth models include consideration of a populations carrying capacity

    • Long-term expontential growth is more commonly observed than long-term logisitic growth in nature

    • Logistic growth requires a large population

    • Logistic growth models take the populations age-structure into account

    Correct Answer
    A. The logistic model of growth incorporates enviromental limitations on population size
    Explanation
    The logistic model of growth incorporates environmental limitations on population size. This means that as the population approaches its carrying capacity, the growth rate slows down and eventually stabilizes. On the other hand, exponential growth models do not take into account any limitations on population size and assume unlimited resources. Therefore, exponential growth can continue indefinitely without any constraints. In nature, long-term exponential growth is less commonly observed compared to long-term logistic growth, as most populations eventually reach their carrying capacity and stabilize.

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  • 43. 

    Which of the following is NOT a density- independent population regulating factor?

    • Cold exposure due to suitable nesting sites being occupied

    • Variable winter weather

    • Fire

    • Flooding

    • Reduced food avaliablity due to drought

    Correct Answer
    A. Cold exposure due to suitable nesting sites being occupied
    Explanation
    Cold exposure due to suitable nesting sites being occupied is not a density-independent population regulating factor because it is dependent on the availability of nesting sites. Density-independent factors are those that affect population size regardless of the population's density, such as variable winter weather, fire, flooding, and reduced food availability due to drought. These factors can impact population size regardless of how many individuals are present in the population.

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  • 44. 

    Dr. David Reznick has studied life history evolution in guppies that live in streams in trinidad. Guppies are found in two different types of habitat: sites where predation is high, and sites where predation is low. Which of the following life history characteriscs would you expect to evolve in a guppy population living in a high-predation site?

    • Delayed sexual maturation

    • A female-biased sex ratio

    • Increased egg size

    • Increased egg number

    • Bright colors and courtship displays

    Correct Answer
    A. Increased egg size
    Explanation
    In high-predation sites, guppies face a higher risk of being eaten by predators. In order to increase their chances of survival and reproduce successfully, guppies living in high-predation sites are likely to evolve larger egg sizes. Larger eggs have a higher chance of survival and can provide more nutrients and energy to the developing offspring, increasing their chances of survival in a risky environment. This adaptation allows guppies to allocate more resources towards producing fewer, but larger, offspring that have a higher chance of survival.

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  • 45. 

    During logistic growth, the per capita rate of increase:

    • Approaches the carrying capacity

    • Is always approaching zero

    • Is constant

    • Is ever-increasing

    • Approaches zero after the population reaches one-half the carrying capacity

    Correct Answer
    A. Approaches zero after the population reaches one-half the carrying capacity
    Explanation
    During logistic growth, the per capita rate of increase approaches zero after the population reaches one-half the carrying capacity. This is because as the population size approaches the carrying capacity, resources become limited and competition for those resources increases. As a result, the rate of population growth slows down and eventually reaches zero when the population size reaches half of the carrying capacity. This is known as the inflection point, after which the population growth starts to decline and eventually stabilizes at the carrying capacity.

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  • 46. 

    Which of the following was discovered as a result of the fruit fly life-extension experiment?

    • Longer-lived flies died more quickly when removed from "ideal" living conditions

    • Longer-lived flies aged more quickly when removed from "ideal" living conditions

    • Longer-lived flies laid their eggs earlier than short-lived flies

    • Longer-lived flies accumulated a greater number of mutations in their genomes

    • None of the above are correct

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the above are correct
  • 47. 

    There is a tradeoff between the number of offspring an organism can produce and the amount of care the organism can provide for its offspring. This statement is:

    • Incorrect; the tradeoff exists between the size of the offspring and the amount of care the parent can provide

    • Incorrect; tradeoffs exist between the number of offspring and the size of the offspring an organism can have

    • Correct; this is referred to as the "cost of reproduction"

    • Correct; this is one of the inherent tradeoffs in life history strategies

    • Incorrect; tradeoffs exist between the number of offspring and its size

    Correct Answer
    A. Correct; this is one of the inherent tradeoffs in life history strategies
    Explanation
    This statement is correct because there is indeed a tradeoff between the number of offspring an organism can produce and the amount of care it can provide for its offspring. This tradeoff is known as the "cost of reproduction" and is one of the inherent tradeoffs in life history strategies. Organisms that produce a large number of offspring may not be able to provide as much care for each individual offspring, while organisms that provide a lot of care for their offspring may have fewer offspring. This tradeoff is a result of limited resources and energy available to the organism.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jul 25, 2024 +

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  • Current Version
  • Jul 25, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Apr 22, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Nikki1991

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