University:
The University Of Western Ontario
Course:
2483A | Ecology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

220

Pages:

2
Author:

Kyuwon J.

Ecology 2483 THH4 13/16 Isle Royale TA: Cailyn McKay Name: Trinity Date: Section: C 1. Draw and label a population-time graph for a population experiencing logistic growth where the carrying capacity is 250. (2 marks) [Image of a logistic growth curve with carrying capacity at 250] 2. Name and briefly describe each of the variables (r, N, K) in the following equation: (3 marks) dN/dt = rN(1 - N/K) r: Intrinsic growth rate N: Population size at moment (t) K: Carrying capacity 3. A long growing season had a drastic effect on the moose and wolf populations in the Isle Royale simulation. Name and briefly describe this phenomenon. (3 marks) The paradox of enrichment. Because of the long growing season, there will be more resources available for moose to consume. Thereby, they will decrease the moose population. However, once the moose population had decreased due to limited resources, the population of wolves will also decrease. Paradox of enrichment Ecology 2483 Isle Royale TA: Cailyn McKay 4. Explain how wolf presence affects the Balsam fir populations in the Isle Royale simulation? (2 marks) The balsam fir population has shown an increase when wolves were present. This is because wolves limit the moose population, thereby decreasing the browsing pressure on balsam fir. 5. Imagine there is a barrier that goes across half of Isle Royale. There are moose on both sides but only one side has wolves. Explain how the moose health and population dynamics may differ on each side of the barrier. (3 marks) The side without wolves will show a larger population of moose since there will not be the threat of predation. However, there will be limited resources, and the moose will not be as healthy since the resources are shared with a larger population of moose. The side with wolves will show a smaller population of moose, but we will see the relatively healthy since the resources are shared within a small number of population. 6. Define a p-value as it is used in inferential statistics. (2 marks) In case of a small p-value, it is unlikely that two variables are happening by chance (null hypothesis) and more likely to be alternative hypothesis. However, when a high p-value, it is most likely been the chance. 7. How did you participate today? Do you have any questions for your TA? (1 mark) I did not participate today. Do you have any questions for your TA? abundance of plants allowed population size to increase. This really high moose population size allows the wolf populations to eventually increase so much that they could wipe out all the moose. It's a paradox because you wouldn't expect more food to lead to extinction.