SAT - Biology Subject Population and Community Ecology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A population of deer is introduced to a large, isolated island with abundant resources and no predators.
Initially, the population grows rapidly.
According to the logistic growth model, what will happen to the population's growth rate as it approaches the island's carrying capacity (K)?

Accepted Answer

The growth rate will slow down and approach zero.

Answer

The growth rate will become negative, causing a population crash.

Answer

The growth rate will continue to increase exponentially.

Answer

The growth rate will remain constant at its maximum.

Question 2

The harmless scarlet kingsnake has coloration and banding patterns that closely resemble those of the venomous eastern coral snake. Predators that have learned to avoid the coral snake will also avoid the kingsnake. This is an example of which ecological phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Batesian mimicry

Answer

Müllerian mimicry

Answer

Aposematic coloration

Answer

Cryptic coloration

Question 3

Which of the following sets of characteristics is most representative of a K-selected species?

Accepted Answer

Long lifespan, extensive parental care, few offspring

Answer

Short lifespan, early maturation, many offspring

Answer

Unstable environment, rapid population growth, little parental care

Answer

Large body size, few offspring, short lifespan

Question 4

An oyster releases millions of eggs, but the vast majority of the resulting larvae die from predation or starvation within their first few weeks of life. The few larvae that survive to adulthood have a much lower mortality rate. Which type of survivorship curve does the oyster exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Type III

Answer

Type I

Answer

Type II

Answer

Type IV

Question 5

In the coastal kelp forest ecosystems of the North Pacific, sea otters prey on sea urchins. Sea urchins, if left unchecked, will graze voraciously on kelp, destroying the forests that provide habitat for numerous other species. The sea otter's role in maintaining the structure of this community is best described as that of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Keystone species

Answer

Indicator species

Answer

Foundation species

Answer

Apex predator

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios is the best example of a uniform population distribution?

Accepted Answer

Nesting seabirds on a crowded island, where each bird defends the area immediately around its nest.

Answer

A school of fish swimming together to avoid predators.

Answer

Dandelion plants in a field, where seeds have been scattered by the wind.

Answer

Elephants and other large mammals congregating around a desert waterhole.

A population of deer is introduced to a large, isolated island with abundant resources and no predators.Initially, the population grows rapidly.According to the logistic growth model, what will happen to the population's growth rate as it approaches the island's carrying capacity (K)?

A population of deer is introduced to a large, isolated island with abundant resources and no predators.
Initially, the population grows rapidly.
According to the logistic growth model, what will happen to the population's growth rate as it approaches the island's carrying capacity (K)?