Topic 2.3: Habitat, Niche and Interactions Questions

The graph shows population changes in snowshoe hares and lynx over a 16-year period.

The graph shows changes in two populations (A and B) over time in an ecosystem.

Define the term limiting factor.

Define the term carrying capacity.

The graph shows prey (mice) and predator (owls) population changes from year 0 to year 8. The shaded area represents years 8–12.

The graphs show predator–prey population changes in two different ecosystems (A and B).

Figure 1 shows Liebig's barrel model, which illustrates how environmental factors affect population growth. Each stave (wooden plank) represents a different environmental factor, and the water level represents the maximum population size.

Figure 2 shows two different population growth patterns over a 50-year period.

Distinguish between habitat and niche.

Outline three components that could be used to describe the niche of a bird species.

Two insect-eating bird species live in the same woodland habitat. Explain how they could reduce competition and coexist.

Outline what is meant by niche overlap and state one likely consequence for two species.

A lake has two fish species that both feed mainly on small zooplankton near the surface during the day. Suggest one change in resource use that could reduce competition between the fish.

Explain why ecosystems with a greater variety of niches often have higher biodiversity.

Figure 1 shows the population changes of a predator (lynx) and its prey (snowshoe hare) over a 50-year period in a Canadian forest ecosystem.

What is a niche in ecology?

What is mutualism?

The graph shows rabbit and fox population dynamics over time. Points A, B, C, and D are marked on the graph.

A grassland has abundant sunlight and space, but low rainfall. Suggest the most likely limiting factor for plant growth.

Outline three examples of limiting factors that could reduce the population size of deer in a forest.