EEB 3407 Practice Questions with Correct
Answers
What are the three approaches to ecological research?
The three approaches are observational research, experimental research, and theoretical
modeling. Observational research measures patterns without manipulation, experiments
manipulate conditions, and theoretical models use simplified assumptions or equations to
make predictions.
Explain the difference between dN/dt and 1/N dN/dt.
dN/dt is the growth rate of the whole population over time. 1/N dN/dt is the per capita growth
rate, meaning the growth rate per individual.
List four assumptions of continuous exponential growth.
The assumptions are a closed population, density-independent birth and death rates,
equivalent individuals, and continuous growth with no time lags.
Explain why exponential growth is density-independent.
Exponential growth is density-independent because the per capita growth rate does not
change as population size increases. Birth and death rates are assumed to stay constant.
Explain logistic growth.
Logistic growth is density-limited growth where per capita growth decreases as population
size increases. This happens because resources become limiting, reducing births, increasing
deaths, or both. The population approaches carrying capacity.
What is carrying capacity?
Answers
What are the three approaches to ecological research?
The three approaches are observational research, experimental research, and theoretical
modeling. Observational research measures patterns without manipulation, experiments
manipulate conditions, and theoretical models use simplified assumptions or equations to
make predictions.
Explain the difference between dN/dt and 1/N dN/dt.
dN/dt is the growth rate of the whole population over time. 1/N dN/dt is the per capita growth
rate, meaning the growth rate per individual.
List four assumptions of continuous exponential growth.
The assumptions are a closed population, density-independent birth and death rates,
equivalent individuals, and continuous growth with no time lags.
Explain why exponential growth is density-independent.
Exponential growth is density-independent because the per capita growth rate does not
change as population size increases. Birth and death rates are assumed to stay constant.
Explain logistic growth.
Logistic growth is density-limited growth where per capita growth decreases as population
size increases. This happens because resources become limiting, reducing births, increasing
deaths, or both. The population approaches carrying capacity.
What is carrying capacity?
