Chapter 52 Homework

1. Explain the different ways populations density is determined.
2. Explain the three main types of population dispersion, why they exist, and be able to give an example of each.
3. Draw, on a log scale graph, the three types of survivorship curves. Explain the meaning of each curve, and give examples of organisms that live like this.
4. Explain what is meant by "r". What happens if "r" is greater than, equal to, or less than zero?
5. Explain why a population might have exponential growth, i.e. what conditions are necessary for this? What type of shape does the curve have? How do you get a steeper curve, i.e. what variable has to change. Explain using the equation.
6. Explain logistic growth. Why does it occur? What is the shape of the curve. Describe the meaning of the shape? Why does it change it's shape?
7. Explain what is meant by carrying capacity? Explain each part of the logistic growth equation and how it contributes to the shape of the curve we see in a graph, and the population, in real life.
8. Explain what is meant by semelparity and iteroparity? Give examples of organisms that use these strategies. Why do they use a particular strategy?
9. Explain the difference between the two main Life History Strategies: r-selection and K-selection. Explain what kind of traits each has and why they use a particular strategy.
10. Explain the difference between density- dependent and density-independent factors in a population. Explain how these two different group of factors influence the population.
11. Explain why the hare and lynx graph looks like it does. (figure 52.20, page 1101).
12. Explain how different population pyramids dictate different rates of population growth (figure 52.23, page 1103).