The Population Dynamics Quiz: MCQ Trivia
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Can you pass The Population Dynamics Quiz below? The number of living things existing together in a given geographical area is defined as the population. It is essential to understand what causes changes in the population over time, and what this means for the environment. How well do you know different species and their characteristics? Do take up this challenging quiz and get to see how knowledgeable you are. All the best!
- 1.
Which of the following statements is false?
- A.
Oceanic circulation is driven by wind patterns
- B.
Trade winds move water laterally
- C.
An upwelling is an area where water rises 50 metres to mix and replace surface waters
- D.
Westerly winds move from east to west
- E.
Rotation of Earth on its axis influences prevailing winds
Correct Answer
D. Westerly winds move from east to westExplanation
Westerly winds move from west to east.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Climate is
- A.
Not dependant on latitude
- B.
Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind direction and velocity of a particular area
- C.
A biotic factor
- D.
A short-term state of atmospheric conditions
- E.
Specific to a particular place and time
Correct Answer
B. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind direction and velocity of a particular areaExplanation
Climate is determined by various factors such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind direction, and velocity. These factors collectively define the long-term atmospheric conditions of a specific area. Unlike weather, which refers to short-term changes in atmospheric conditions, climate represents the average weather patterns over a longer period of time. Therefore, the given answer correctly identifies the elements that contribute to the climate of a particular area.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The appearance of a physical barrier that splits the range of a species is called
- A.
A vicariant event
- B.
Biotic interchange
- C.
A biogeographic pattern
- D.
Dispersal
- E.
A pelagic zone
Correct Answer
A. A vicariant eventExplanation
A vicariant event refers to the occurrence of a physical barrier that divides the habitat of a species. This barrier prevents gene flow and movement between the two separated populations, leading to the divergence of the species into distinct groups. This phenomenon is a common mechanism for speciation and can result in the formation of new species over time.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Biomes are determined by
- A.
Soil characteristics
- B.
Climate
- C.
Geographic attributes
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Biomes are determined by soil characteristics, climates and geographic attributes (amongst other things).Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following life zones are affected by wave action?
- A.
Coastal zone
- B.
Littoral zone
- C.
Intertidal zone
- D.
All of the above
- E.
B and C (littoral and intertidal) only
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The intertidal zone is affected by tides (which are waves) and the littoral zone is affected by wave action. The littoral zone and intertidal zone are part of the coastal zone, so the coastal zone is also affected by wave action.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why is learning about population dynamics so crucial to biologists?
- A.
This allows us to see how reproductive capacity varies with age.
- B.
This allows us to track demographic events used in the study of population dynamics.
- C.
This allows us to understand changes made in populations due to human activities.
- D.
This allows us to calculate the density of a population in an area at a specific time
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
C. This allows us to understand changes made in populations due to human activities.Explanation
The fact that reproductive capacity varies with age isn’t related to population dynamics, however, that principle is used to help study it. A life table is used to track demographic events used in population dynamics. Also, you can’t use learning about Population Dynamics to track demographic events used in the study of population dynamics. The quadrant, transit and the mark-recapture method are all used to calculate the density of a population in an area at a specific time. It cannot be all of them since some of them are false. Therefore, learning about population dynamics is so crucial to biologists allows us to understand the changes made in population due to human activities.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following statements about iteroparous species is TRUE?
- A.
They reproduce multiple times over the course of their adult lives
- B.
They generally produce many more offsprings than semelparous species
- C.
They are generally organisms with type III survivorship curves
- D.
They are sometimes called “big bang” reproduction
- E.
They include annual plants
Correct Answer
A. They reproduce multiple times over the course of their adult livesExplanation
Iteroparous species reproduce multiple times over the course of their adult lives, as opposed to semelparous species that reproduce only once in their lives. Semelparous species produce many more offspring in their single brood than iteroparous species do over their lifetimes, and semelparity is sometimes called the “big bang” reproduction. Iteroparity is typical of organisms whose survival chances increase once they reach maturity (Type I or II survivorship curve), and they include organisms such as honey bees, ants, and queen bees, as well as perennial plants and tropical vines.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following is NOT the result of a density-dependent regulation factor?
- A.
Mice population decreases as a result of malnutrition.
- B.
A lion targets and attacks a group of zebras resulting in a decreased density of zebras in the area.
- C.
A disease is contracted by one deer, and it spreads around to the rest of herd causing many of the deer population to die.
- D.
The population density of salmon is significantly decreased as a result of pollution from a nearby factory.
- E.
A group of giraffes overpopulate and cannot support themselves with the amount of tree in their vicinity
Correct Answer
D. The population density of salmon is significantly decreased as a result of pollution from a nearby factory.Explanation
The factory pollution has no relation to the density of the population of fish. All the other options have a decrease in density as the aftermath of a density dependant factor such as disease, predators, and lack of food.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A metapopulation is
- A.
A group of subpopulations that are geographically isolated from one another
- B.
A group of subpopulations among which individuals move on a regular basis
- C.
A large population consisting of single species within a patch
- D.
More likely to be influenced by local disturbances and random fluctuations in number of individuals than subpopulations
- E.
A population that is spread out over a very large area
Correct Answer
A. A group of subpopulations that are geographically isolated from one anotherExplanation
A metapopulation is a group of subpopulations that are geographically isolated from one another.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is an example of biological control?
- A.
The increase in human population due to location.
- B.
The Australian lady beetle controlling the population of Australian insects in California.
- C.
The government making stricter restrictions to protect the population of fish such as cod.
- D.
The impact that the rate the blue whale reproduces has on its population
- E.
The high rate that fish reproduce, allowing for them to be able to maintain their population despite heavy harvests.
Correct Answer
B. The Australian lady beetle controlling the population of Australian insects in California.Explanation
The lady beetle controlling the population of Australian insects. Biological control is when a natural enemy from the pest’s native region is brought to control the population of the pest in a foreign region.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What differentiates amensalism and commensalism from other types of interactions?
- A.
One participant benefits
- B.
One participant is harmed
- C.
Two participants are affected
- D.
Only one participant is affected
- E.
No participants are affected
Correct Answer
D. Only one participant is affectedExplanation
Amensalism and commensalism are types of interactions where only one participant is affected. In amensalism, one participant is harmed while the other is unaffected. This can occur when one organism produces a substance that inhibits or kills another organism. On the other hand, commensalism is a type of relationship where one participant benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. In this interaction, one organism benefits from the presence of another organism without affecting it in any way.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Many insects are oligophagous, this is likely a result of
- A.
Aposematism
- B.
Mimicry
- C.
Reciprocal Adaptation
- D.
Crypsis
- E.
Mutualism
Correct Answer
C. Reciprocal AdaptationExplanation
Reciprocal adaptation refers to a situation where two or more species evolve together in response to each other's presence. In the case of insects being oligophagous (feeding on a limited range of host plants), this could be a result of reciprocal adaptation. The insects might have co-evolved with specific plants, developing specialized adaptations to efficiently extract nutrients from those plants, while the plants might have evolved defenses to deter other herbivores. This mutual adaptation between the insects and their host plants could explain why many insects are oligophagous.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following are examples of highly specific coevolution?
- A.
Yucca plants and Yucca moths
- B.
Hummingbirds and ornithophilous flowers
- C.
Mistletoe and mistletoe birds
- D.
Ants and Acacia Trees
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the examples given in the options are examples of highly specific coevolution. Coevolution refers to the reciprocal evolutionary changes that occur between two species as a result of their close ecological interactions. In each of the given examples, there is a specific and mutualistic relationship between the two species mentioned. Yucca plants and Yucca moths have a specialized pollination relationship, where the moths pollinate the plants and the plants provide a habitat for the moths' larvae. Hummingbirds and ornithophilous flowers have a similar relationship, where the birds feed on the nectar of the flowers and aid in their pollination. Mistletoe and mistletoe birds have a symbiotic relationship, where the birds disperse the mistletoe seeds and the mistletoe provides food and shelter for the birds. Ants and Acacia trees have a mutualistic relationship, where the ants protect the trees from herbivores and the trees provide shelter and food for the ants. Therefore, all of the given examples showcase highly specific coevolutionary relationships.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which is NOT a characteristic of indirect competition?
- A.
Can occur even when species are not present in the same habitat at the same time
- B.
Can depend on how the competitors interact with a shared predator
- C.
Can occur when a species alters the quality of a resource and renders it less usable for other species that may encounter it afterward
- D.
Can be the result of a competitor interfering with another competitor’s access to a limiting resource
- E.
(this was left empty by the group...)
Correct Answer
D. Can be the result of a competitor interfering with another competitor’s access to a limiting resourceExplanation
Indirect competition refers to competition between species that occurs even when they are not present in the same habitat at the same time. It can depend on how competitors interact with a shared predator, occur when a species alters the quality of a resource, and can result from a competitor interfering with another competitor's access to a limiting resource. Therefore, the characteristic that is NOT a characteristic of indirect competition is that it can be the result of a competitor interfering with another competitor's access to a limiting resource.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which is NOT an example of a type of competition?
- A.
Intraspecific competition
- B.
Interference competition
- C.
Interspecific competition
- D.
Interspecies competition
- E.
Exploitation competition
Correct Answer
D. Interspecies competitionExplanation
Interspecies competition is not an example of a type of competition because it is essentially the same as interspecific competition. Both terms refer to competition between different species. Therefore, the answer is correct as it identifies a term that is redundant and does not represent a distinct type of competition.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A sample population of 10 organisms was taken from Community A and B. Both communities have the same amount of species found however, Community A is more diverse. Which of the statements below is False?
- A.
Community A has a higher value on the Shannon diversity index
- B.
Community A and Community B share the same types of species.
- C.
Community B has a lower value on the Shannon diversity index.
- D.
Community A has a more proportionate species count in comparison to Community B.
- E.
Community A and Community B have the same amount of species
Correct Answer
B. Community A and Community B share the same types of species.Explanation
The statement "Community A and Community B share the same types of species" is false. This is because the question states that both communities have the same amount of species, but Community A is more diverse. This means that Community A has a higher variety of species compared to Community B. Therefore, Community A and Community B cannot share the same types of species.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A keystone species is a species that
- A.
Influences the number of trophic levels in a community
- B.
Determines the morphology of species in a community
- C.
Is a heterotrophic organism
- D.
Both a) and b)
- E.
Does not influence the species richness of a community.
Correct Answer
A. Influences the number of trophic levels in a communityExplanation
A keystone species is a species that influences the number of trophic levels in a community. This means that the presence or absence of a keystone species can affect the structure and dynamics of the entire ecosystem. Keystone species often have a disproportionate impact on the trophic levels below them, such as controlling the abundance of prey species or influencing the behavior of other organisms. By regulating the interactions between different trophic levels, keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and stability of the ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Surtsey Island is an Island formed from an volcanic eruption below sea-level in 1967. Today, it is considered as one of the prime examples of ________ succession.
- A.
Primary
- B.
Secondary
- C.
Tertiary
- D.
Anthropogenic
- E.
Cyclical
Correct Answer
A. PrimaryExplanation
Surtsey Island is an example of primary succession because it was formed from a volcanic eruption, starting from bare rock and devoid of any life. Primary succession refers to the colonization and establishment of plant and animal species in an area that was previously devoid of life. In the case of Surtsey Island, the volcanic eruption created a new landmass, and over time, various species gradually colonized and established themselves on the island.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The reasons why latitude gradients in diversity are observed are because
- A.
The closer you get to the equator, the hotter and more stable the climate will be.
- B.
The more tropical regions have a diverse array of microclimates that species can proliferate and occupy niches.
- C.
Interspecific competition rarely, if ever, come into play in the tropics
- D.
The closer you get to the equator, organisms will have more time to diversify due to more stable climate.
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "All of the above". The explanation is that all of the given reasons contribute to the observed latitude gradients in diversity. As you move closer to the equator, the climate becomes hotter and more stable, providing favorable conditions for a wide range of species to thrive. Tropical regions also have a diverse array of microclimates, allowing species to occupy different niches and further increase diversity. Additionally, the stable climate near the equator allows for more time for organisms to diversify and evolve, leading to higher species richness. Overall, all of these factors combined contribute to the observed latitude gradients in diversity.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Ecological efficiency is
- A.
The net production of biomass in an community
- B.
The overall transformation of energy from one trophic level to the next
- C.
The rate of which energy is incorporated into the primary producer.
- D.
The amount of primary consumer biomass available for heterotrophic metabolism.
- E.
The total accumulated biomass in a producer
Correct Answer
B. The overall transformation of energy from one trophic level to the nextExplanation
Ecological efficiency refers to the overall transformation of energy from one trophic level to the next. It measures the efficiency with which energy is transferred between different levels of a food chain or food web. This concept helps us understand how energy flows through an ecosystem and how much energy is available to support higher trophic levels. It is a crucial factor in determining the stability and productivity of an ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 21.
A background rate of extinction is
- A.
The rate of extinction before humans made a significant impact
- B.
What conservation biologists try to avoid
- C.
The rate of extinction of producers in a given ecosystem
- D.
The rate of extinction of quaternary consumers in a given ecosystem
- E.
What we are currently approaching as urbanization increases
Correct Answer
A. The rate of extinction before humans made a significant impactExplanation
The background rate of extinction refers to the rate of extinction that occurred before humans had a significant impact on the environment. It represents the natural rate of extinction that would occur without any human interference. Conservation biologists try to avoid any further increase in the rate of extinction caused by human activities. Urbanization, which is increasing at present, is leading us closer to the background rate of extinction as it causes habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following is not a reason why biologists find it difficult to predict species extinction?
- A.
It is difficult to determine whether the last member of the species has died
- B.
The range of a species's habitat is poorly known
- C.
It is extremely difficult to measure the effect of human activities on a species
- D.
The number of total species on the planet is still unknown
- E.
There is uncertainty of the ecological connections between species
Correct Answer
C. It is extremely difficult to measure the effect of human activities on a speciesExplanation
Biologists find it difficult to predict species extinction because it is extremely difficult to measure the effect of human activities on a species. This is because human activities can have a wide range of impacts on species, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, making it challenging to accurately assess and predict the consequences of these activities on a particular species.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A species is endangered if
- A.
It is likely to become threatened
- B.
It will become extinct in the next year
- C.
It is in a critical situation where it is at high risk of being extinct
- D.
Its population is reduced
- E.
Human activities affect its habitat, food supply and neighboring ecological communities
Correct Answer
C. It is in a critical situation where it is at high risk of being extinctExplanation
An endangered species is one that is in a critical situation where it is at high risk of being extinct. This means that the species is facing severe threats and its population is declining rapidly, making it highly vulnerable to extinction. The factors mentioned in the question, such as the likelihood of becoming threatened, the reduction in population, and the negative impact of human activities on its habitat and food supply, all contribute to the critical situation and high risk of extinction for the species.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Endemic species are
- A.
Species native to a certain area
- B.
Species that only exist in a certain area
- C.
Species that compete against each other
- D.
Species invade and outcompete native species
- E.
Species that require disturbances to survive
Correct Answer
B. Species that only exist in a certain areaExplanation
Endemic species are species that only exist in a certain area. This means that they are found naturally and exclusively in that specific geographic location and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These species have evolved and adapted to the unique environmental conditions of their particular habitat, making them highly specialized and often vulnerable to any changes or threats to their ecosystem. The term "endemic" highlights the restricted distribution of these species, emphasizing their importance for conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following is not true about edge effects?
- A.
Forest patches feel stronger winds and higher temperatures closer to the edges
- B.
Outside species colonize edges of habitat patches to compete with species living farther in
- C.
Edges become proportionally larger as total area of habitat patches decrease
- D.
Smaller habitat patches are influenced by surrounding environments more
- E.
Small patches can maintain species that typically require larger areas due to edges
Correct Answer
E. Small patches can maintain species that typically require larger areas due to edgesExplanation
Small patches cannot maintain species that typically require larger areas due to edges. Edge effects can create harsher conditions for species living closer to the edges of habitat patches, including stronger winds and higher temperatures. Outside species may colonize edges to compete with species living farther in. Edges become proportionally larger as the total area of habitat patches decreases. Smaller habitat patches are indeed influenced more by surrounding environments. However, the statement that small patches can maintain species that typically require larger areas due to edges is not true.Rate this question:
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