C4.1 Populations and communities

Question 1

Population

Answer 1

A group of organisms of the same species, typically interbreeding and sharing a common gene pool

Question 2

Random Sampling

Answer 2

An unbiased sampling method giving each individual an equal chance of being chosen

Question 3

Sampling Error

Answer 3

The discrepancy between an estimated value and the true value of population size

Question 4

Quadrat Sampling

Answer 4

A technique to estimate population size of sessile organisms using a square frame

Question 5

Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture

Answer 5

A method to estimate population size of motile organisms, involving capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing individuals

Question 6

Carrying Capacity

Answer 6

The maximum population size an environment can sustain

Question 7

Density-Dependent Factors

Answer 7

Factors influencing population size that are affected by population density

Question 8

Density-Independent Factors

Answer 8

Factors influencing population size that are not affected by population density

Question 9

Exponential Growth

Answer 9

Population increase in an environment with unlimited resources and no competition

Question 10

Sigmoidal Growth

Answer 10

Population growth that occurs when limited resources restrict growth rate

Question 11

Intraspecific Competition

Answer 11

Competition for resources among members of the same species

Question 12

Intraspecific Cooperation

Answer 12

Collaborative interactions within a species that aid survival and reproduction

Question 13

Social Behavior

Answer 13

Cooperative interactions in a species, like bees working in a colony

Question 14

Territoriality

Answer 14

Individuals or groups defending a territory to access resources

Question 15

Altruism

Answer 15

Behavior benefiting other individuals at the cost to oneself

Question 16

Mutualism

Answer 16

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit

Question 17

Parasitism

Answer 17

A relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits at the host’s expense

Question 18

Herbivory

Answer 18

Interaction where herbivores feed on plants

Question 19

Predation

Answer 19

Interaction where a predator hunts and kills prey

Question 20

Competition (Interspecific)

Answer 20

Different species competing for the same resources

Question 21

Invasive Species

Answer 21

Non-native species that cause harm in new environments

Question 22

Biological Invasion

Answer 22

The process by which invasive species establish and spread

Question 23

Impact on Biodiversity

Answer 23

Invasive species can reduce native biodiversity

Question 24

Competitive Exclusion

Answer 24

Invasive species outcompeting native species for resources

Question 25

Ecological Imbalance

Answer 25

Invasive species disrupting native ecosystem balance.

Question 26

Chi-Square Test

Answer 26

A statistical test to determine the association between variables

Question 27

Null Hypothesis

Answer 27

A default hypothesis that there is no association between variables

Question 28

Degrees of Freedom

Answer 28

The number of values in a test that are free to vary

Question 29

Expected Frequencies

Answer 29

Frequencies predicted by a hypothesis for chi-square analysis

Question 30

P-Value

Answer 30

Probability measure to assess the strength of the results against the null hypothesis

Question 31

Top-Down Control

Answer 31

Population regulation by predators at higher trophic levels

Question 32

Bottom-Up Control

Answer 32

Population regulation by resource availability at lower trophic levels

Question 33

Predator-Prey Dynamics

Answer 33

The interplay between predator and prey populations

Question 34

Allelopathy

Answer 34

Chemical inhibition of one species by another

Question 35

Antibiotic Secretion

Answer 35

Microorganisms secreting substances to inhibit competitors

Question 36

Ecological Modeling

Answer 36

The use of mathematical and computational methods to simulate and predict ecological patterns and processes, aiding in understanding ecosystem dynamics and environmental impacts.

Question 37

Population Modeling

Answer 37

The use of mathematical models to predict changes in population sizes over time.

Question 38

Longitudinal Studies

Answer 38

Studies that observe the same subjects over a long period.

Question 39

Biodiversity Index

Answer 39

A measure to quantify the diversity of species in an area

Question 40

Indicator Species

Answer 40

Species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition