ECOLOGY AND POPULATION DYNAMICS: KEY CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS 2026 ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS.

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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)