Question

1. if a snake species were introduced to an ecosystem where it has no natural predators, what long - term effect do you predict the snakes would have on the population dynamics of the ecosystem?

a. they would breed with native snake species, resulting in an increase in biodiversity in the ecosystem
b. they would compete with native snake species for resources, causing a decline in native snake populations and possible extinction of the native snakes
c. they would form mutualistic relationships with the native snakes, since they would occupy the same roles in the environment.
d. they would serve as a food source for predators of the native snakes, causing an increase in native snake populations.
matching - match the blanks with the choices on the right.

1. all the members of a species that live in a specific geographic region form a(n) ____________.
2. the ____________ of a population is the maximum number the environment can support.
3. a factor that limits the ability of a population to grow is known as ____________.
4. a species with high biotic potential that is transferred to a new environment where it has little environmental resistance is called a(n) ____________ species.
5. trout has a ____________ for temperatures. they thrive when the temperature is not too hot and not too cold.

Explanation:

• 21: A population is defined as all the members of a species that live in a specific geographic region.
• 22: The carrying capacity of a population is the maximum number the environment can support.
• 23: A limiting factor is a factor that limits the ability of a population to grow.
• 24: An invasive species is a species with high biotic potential that is transferred to a new environment where it has little environmental resistance.
• 25: The range of tolerance refers to the range of conditions (like temperature for trout) within which an organism can thrive.

Answer:

1. d. population
2. e. carrying capacity
3. a. limiting factors
4. b. invasive species
5. c. range of tolerance