Course: BIS 105 Environmental Biology

Unit 4 Learning Module

Review Questions

Review Questions

1. Define a biological population.

2. Define and compare the importance of population size vs. population density.

3. Explain how conservation biologists use Minimum Viable Population (MVP) and Population Viability Analysis (PVA).

4. What types of information do population pyramids show? What kinds of inferences can you make using variations in population pyramid shape?

5. How does delaying reproduction affect population size, even if fertility remains constant?

6. Describe the three types of survivorship curves and the reproductive strategies they illustrate.

7. Apply what you have learned so far about population biology to your current understanding of human populations. Note: we will explore human populations in detail in a future lesson, so accept that your current understanding may be incomplete!

8. Compare exponential (J-curve) growth to logistic (S-curve) growth, and explain the conditions under which each occurs in nature.

9. Summarize the equation for population growth rate, and explain each factor.

10. Give examples of dispersal and migration, and how they affect populations.

11. Define carrying capacity and explain its importance to population growth.

12. Compare and contrast density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors.

13. Relate predator-prey cycles to density-dependent population control.

14. Compare and contrast the adaptations and environmental characteristics typical of r-selected species to those of K-selected species.