module18REVIEW

In this module, we learned that nature exists at a series of different levels of complexity, which include individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. We then examined the level of the population and observed that populations possess a number of characteristics that can be used to describe them, including their abundance and distribution. Finally, we discussed how density-dependent factors can regulate populations more strongly as populations grow whereas density-independent factors can regulate populations at any population size. In the next module, we will see how scientists use mathematical models of populations to obtain insights into how populations change in abundance over time.

Module 18 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. Which is the correct order of ecological levels from basic to complex?

  1. Individual, population, ecosystem, biosphere, community

  2. Individual, community, ecosystem, population, biosphere

  3. Individual, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

  4. Ecosystem, biosphere, community, population, individual

  5. Individual, population, community, biosphere, ecosystem

Question 2

2. Population distribution is

  1. often clumped in response to predation.

  2. used by wildlife managers when regulating hunting and fishing.

  3. measured relative to other species.

  4. uniform in most tree species.

  5. important when estimating the number of offspring expected.

Question 3

3. Which is true about a population’s carrying capacity?

  1. It is denoted as C.

  2. It is usually used when studying ecosystems.

  3. It depends on a limiting resource.

  4. It is controlled by density-independent factors.

  5. The population of a species cannot exceed it.

Question 4

4. Which population is typically regulated by density-independent factors?

  1. Algae

  2. Predators

  3. Paramecium bacteria

  4. Birds

  5. Trees

Question 5

5. Which does NOT have a significant effect on the number of offspring produced by a population?

  1. Population distribution

  2. Sex ratio

  3. Age structure

  4. Population size

  5. Carrying capacity