AP Bio Population Quiz

The J-shaped curve represents exponential growth, where the population increases at an accelerating rate over time. This is because each individual has the potential to produce more offspring, leading to a larger population in the next generation. As the population size increases, the rate of growth also increases, resulting in exponential growth.

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that a specific environment can sustain. It represents the balance between available resources and the needs of the population. In the context of marine producers and consumers, the vast resources of the ocean usually prevent them from reaching their carrying capacity. Unlike the other options, which are either incorrect or do not accurately define carrying capacity, this explanation aligns with the concept of carrying capacity as the maximum population size that an environment can support.

When the birth rate exceeds the death rate and there is no immigration or emigration, the population will grow exponentially. This is because the number of births is greater than the number of deaths, resulting in a net increase in population size. Without any immigration or emigration, there are no additional factors affecting the population size, leading to exponential growth.

When r = 0, the population size is stable. This is because the value of r represents the population growth rate. When r is 0, it means that there is no growth or decline in the population size. The population remains constant and does not change over time.

All species are capable of exhibiting exponential growth because exponential growth refers to a rapid increase in population size over time, where the growth rate is proportional to the current population. This growth pattern can be observed in many bacteria, fruit flies, humans, and even bald eagles. Therefore, the statement "All species" is correct as all species have the potential to exhibit exponential growth under favorable conditions.

A population refers to all the individuals of a single species that exist within a specific community. It represents a group of organisms of the same species that interact with each other and occupy the same area. In a population, individuals can reproduce and pass on their genetic information to the next generation. This term is used to study the dynamics, distribution, and characteristics of a particular species within a given ecosystem.

R-selected organisms are characterized by their ability to reproduce quickly and produce a large number of offspring. They typically have short life spans and reach maturity at an early age. This strategy allows them to take advantage of favorable conditions and maximize their reproductive success. By reproducing quickly and at an early age, they can produce a large number of offspring in a short amount of time. However, this strategy often comes at the cost of reduced parental care and investment in individual offspring.

In models of logistic population growth, the population growth rate slows dramatically as N approaches K. This is because logistic growth takes into account the carrying capacity (K) of the environment, which represents the maximum number of individuals that the environment can sustain. As the population size (N) gets closer to the carrying capacity, resources become more limited, competition increases, and birth rates decrease. This leads to a slower growth rate until the population stabilizes at the carrying capacity.

When the size of a population greatly exceeds K, it means that the population has surpassed its carrying capacity. This indicates that the resources available in the environment are not enough to sustain the population at its current size. As a result, the population will experience a rapid decrease as individuals struggle to find enough resources to survive and reproduce. This decrease in population size is necessary for the population to reach a more sustainable level and stabilize.

The correct answer is "takes into account the carrying capacity of the environment." The logistic equation is a mathematical model that considers the limiting factor of the environment, known as the carrying capacity. It assumes that as a population grows, it will eventually reach a point where resources become limited, leading to a decrease in growth rate and ultimately reaching a stable population size. This concept is important in understanding population dynamics and can be applied to various biological and ecological systems.

Relatively K-selected populations are characterized by offspring with good chances of survival. This means that these populations invest more resources and time in each individual offspring, resulting in a higher likelihood of their survival. This strategy is typically seen in stable and predictable environments where competition for resources is high. K-selected populations prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to offspring, ensuring that they have a better chance of surviving and reproducing successfully.

The caribou died due to density-dependent and biotic factors. Density-dependent factors refer to factors that are influenced by the population density, such as competition for resources, predation, and disease transmission. In this case, the caribou was weakened by parasites, specifically tapeworms, which are biotic factors. These tapeworms were able to spread easily among the caribou population due to the crowded conditions, contributing to the caribou's death.