Chapter 2

Distinguish between density-dependent and density-independent factors and give an example of each for the wolf population of Yellowstone.

What effect would a wildfire that burned so hot that it sterilized the soil, killing all the microbes, have on the nitrogen cycle?

Lesser goldfinches are small, seed-eating birds. In cities, both wild hawks and domestic cats eat these birds. Discuss several density-dependent and density-independent factors that could affect their carrying capacity.

What is resource partitioning, and how does it reduce competition?

Why are \(r\)-selected species more likely to experience "overshoot and crash" population growth cycles compared with \(K\)-selected species?

Why might it be hard to restore damaged ecosystems like the Everglades?

Compare the life-history strategy of a deer mouse with that of a bear and identify each as either an \(r\) - or \(K\)-selected species.

What is an indicator species, and why is it useful when monitoring the health of an ecosystem?

In a bottom-up regulation scenario, what kinds of things would determine the size of an elk herd?

What is the importance of ecological succession in nature?