Reference no: EM133435187

Answer the following questions:

1) Explain why high population density might stress an organism. Provide several examples of some of the negative impacts of stress on an organism.

2) Discuss the organization of a typical social group and explain how the organization is maintained.

3) Give a specific example of how a density-independent factor affects a population. Explain why density-independent factors are less predictable in their effects than density-dependent factors.

4) Describe an example of how coevolution between a predator and a prey can lead to specialization.

5) Define a fundamental niche and a realized niche, and provide an example illustrating each. Is one always larger than the other? Explain your answer.

6) Define adaptive radiation. Explain how it might come about using a specific example.

7) Describe the competitive exclusion principle and outline its major assumptions. Provide an example of a scientific study that supports the competitive exclusion principle.

8) Define ecological release and discuss under what conditions it is likely to occur.

9) Explain the idea of "ghosts of competition past" coined by ecologist J. Connell. What does this concept refer to and why is it important to our understanding of evolution and diversity?

10) Describe how predators respond numerically to changing prey density.

11) When glaucous-winged gulls forage for prey (e.g., mussels and urchins), what factors are expected to influence prey selection?

12) Discuss the costs and benefits of each of the three hunting methods employed by predators.

13) Describe three types of responses by animal hosts to minimize the impact of parasites.

14) Explain how parasites may impact the survival, reproduction, and population size of their hosts.

15) Describe two examples of mutualisms involving the transfer of nutrients.