module19REVIEW

In this module, we examined population growth models, which help us understand population increases and decreases. Exponential growth models are the simplest because they assume unlimited resources. Logistic growth models are more realistic because they incorporate a carrying capacity and the associated density-dependent factors that occur in natural populations. By varying assumptions of growth models, we see that a population can overshoot its carrying capacity and experience a die-off. Populations can also oscillate due to predator-prey interactions. Populations can be characterized as either K-selected or r-selected and have unique types of survivorship curves. Finally, we have seen that a species can exist as a metapopulation composed of multiple, interconnected populations. In the next module, we will move from the population level to the community level and examine how species interactions help to determine which species can persist in natural communities.

Module 19 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. The intrinsic growth rate of a population

  1. occurs at the population’s carrying capacity.

  2. depends on the limiting resources of the population.

  3. increases as the population size increases.

  4. only occurs under ideal conditions.

  5. decreases as the population size increases.

Question 2

2. Population growth using the exponential growth model

  1. increases at a constant rate.

  2. applies to most populations only after a long time.

  3. has an increasing intrinsic growth rate.

  4. represents ideal conditions that rarely occur in natural populations.

  5. incorporates the carrying capacity of the population.

Question 3

3. An r-selected species characteristically has

  1. a type I survivorship curve.

  2. few offspring.

  3. a population near carrying capacity.

  4. significant parental care.

  5. a fast population growth rate.

Question 4

4. Which is true of a population overshoot?

  1. It occurs when reproduction quickly responds to changes in food supply.

  2. It is followed by a die-off.

  3. It is most likely to be experienced by K-selected species.

  4. It rarely occurs in species with type III survivorship curves.

  5. It occurs when a species stops growing after reaching the carrying capacity.

Question 5

5. Inbreeding depression

  1. rarely occurs in highly connected metapopulations.

  2. results from the creation of corridors between populations.

  3. results in increased rates of reproduction.

  4. occurs in species that are experiencing overshoot.

  5. rarely occurs in K-selected species.