Population regulation mechanisms MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 12, 2024

1. What is “density-dependent regulation” in population ecology?
a) Population growth that is independent of population density
b) Regulation of population size based on the availability of resources
c) Population control mechanisms that become more intense as population density increases
d) Population changes driven by external environmental factors only
Answer: c) Population control mechanisms that become more intense as population density increases

2. Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population regulation?
a) Natural disasters
b) Climate change
c) Predation
d) Seasonal temperature variations
Answer: c) Predation

3. What does “density-independent regulation” refer to in population ecology?
a) Regulation of population size that depends on population density
b) Control mechanisms that affect population size regardless of density
c) Factors that increase with higher population densities
d) The interaction between different species affecting population size
Answer: b) Control mechanisms that affect population size regardless of density

4. Which of the following is a typical density-independent factor?
a) Disease
b) Competition for resources
c) Weather events (e.g., hurricanes, droughts)
d) Territoriality
Answer: c) Weather events (e.g., hurricanes, droughts)

5. How does “intraspecific competition” influence population regulation?
a) It increases as population density decreases
b) It decreases as population density increases
c) It leads to more intense competition for limited resources as population density increases
d) It has no impact on population regulation
Answer: c) It leads to more intense competition for limited resources as population density increases

6. What role do “predators” play in population regulation?
a) They increase the population size of their prey
b) They help regulate prey populations by controlling their numbers
c) They have no significant effect on population regulation
d) They only affect populations through density-independent factors
Answer: b) They help regulate prey populations by controlling their numbers

7. What is “biotic potential”?
a) The maximum growth rate of a population under ideal conditions
b) The average birth rate of a population
c) The carrying capacity of an environment
d) The effect of predation on population size
Answer: a) The maximum growth rate of a population under ideal conditions

8. How does “emigration” contribute to population regulation?
a) By increasing the population size as individuals leave
b) By reducing the population size as individuals leave
c) By having no effect on population size
d) By increasing the population size through immigration
Answer: b) By reducing the population size as individuals leave

9. What is the primary effect of “disease” on population regulation?
a) It increases population growth rates
b) It reduces population sizes by increasing mortality rates
c) It has no significant impact on population sizes
d) It decreases competition among individuals
Answer: b) It reduces population sizes by increasing mortality rates

10. In a population with a high rate of “r-selection,” which type of population regulation is more likely to be observed?
a) Density-dependent regulation
b) Density-independent regulation
c) Both equally
d) Neither, as r-selection is not related to population regulation
Answer: b) Density-independent regulation

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