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ECOLOGY AND POPULATION
DYNAMICS: KEY CONCEPTS AND
DEFINITIONS 2026 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS.
Define population density. - ANSWER-the number of individuals
per unit area or volume
Describe the following types of dispersion: - ANSWER-a)
Evenly spaced - individuals are equally spaced
b) Random - no predictable pattern
c) Clumped - individuals grouped in clusters
How do biotic factors differ from abiotic factors? - ANSWER-
Biotic is living and abiotic is nonliving
What are 2 differences between r-strategists and k-strategists?
- ANSWER-R-strategist is many offspring and short lifespan
(dandelion)
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k-strategists is a long lifespan and few offspring (elephant)
Define carrying capacity. - ANSWER-The maximum number of
organisms an environment can support
Define overshoot. - ANSWER-When population exceeds
carrying capacity
What are 2 differences between exponential and logistic
growth? - ANSWER-Exponential has unlimited growth, J-
shaped
Logistic has limited growth, S-shaped
Define density-dependent limiting factors AND provide an
example. - ANSWER-Factors that increase with density
(competition)
Define density-independent limiting factors AND provide an
example. - ANSWER-Affect populations regardless of density
(drought)
ECOLOGY AND POPULATION
DYNAMICS: KEY CONCEPTS AND
DEFINITIONS 2026 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS.
Define population density. - ANSWER-the number of individuals
per unit area or volume
Describe the following types of dispersion: - ANSWER-a)
Evenly spaced - individuals are equally spaced
b) Random - no predictable pattern
c) Clumped - individuals grouped in clusters
How do biotic factors differ from abiotic factors? - ANSWER-
Biotic is living and abiotic is nonliving
What are 2 differences between r-strategists and k-strategists?
- ANSWER-R-strategist is many offspring and short lifespan
(dandelion)
, 2 | Page
k-strategists is a long lifespan and few offspring (elephant)
Define carrying capacity. - ANSWER-The maximum number of
organisms an environment can support
Define overshoot. - ANSWER-When population exceeds
carrying capacity
What are 2 differences between exponential and logistic
growth? - ANSWER-Exponential has unlimited growth, J-
shaped
Logistic has limited growth, S-shaped
Define density-dependent limiting factors AND provide an
example. - ANSWER-Factors that increase with density
(competition)
Define density-independent limiting factors AND provide an
example. - ANSWER-Affect populations regardless of density
(drought)
