Population Ecology

Chapter 52

1. Define population density and dispersion.

2. Distinguish between clumped, uniform, and random dispersion.

3. One species of forest bird is highly territorial while a second lives in flocks. What is each species’ likely pattern of dispersion? Explain.

4. Describe the three basic survivorship curves and, for each, name an example of a species which follows the curve.

5. Each female of a particular fish species produces millions of eggs per year. What is its likely survivorship pattern? Explain.

6. Provide an example to show the possible effect of the number of offspring on the survival of the parents.

7. Why is exponential population growth not sustainable?

8. Where would expect the fastest rate of growth in a plant population - on a newly formed volcanic island or in a mature rain forest?

9. Explain the concept of carrying capacity (K).

10. What is the relationship between population size (N) and growth rate (r)?

11. How are N, K, and r related in the logistic growth model?

12. Why do real populations not always fit the expectations of the logistic model of growth?

13. Why is logistic growth most rapid at intermediate population sizes rather than small or large sizes?

14. Define and outline the characteristics of both K-selected and r-selected populations.

15. List some density-dependant factors and explain how they control the size of a population?