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    ESC 121 Biosphere Practical 2

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    ESC 121 Biosphere Practical 2

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    ESC 121 Biosphere Practical 2

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    Biosphere Practical 2 Tyra Grant 4040170

    1. State the 5 levels of ecological hierarchy?

     Individuals Populations  Communities  Ecosystems Biome  Biosphere

    2. Table 1 below shows classic categories of direct effects in ecological communities. The sign
    (+, - , 0) represents the net effect of one species on the other species, either positive,
    negative, or neutral. Copy and complete the table [6]

    Table 1: Classic categories of direct effects in ecological communities

    Interaction Species X Species Y

    Mutualism + +

    Commensalism + 0

    Predation + -

    Herbivory + -

    Parasitism + -

    Competition - -

    Amensalism 0 -

    3. Differentiate between exponential and logistic growth models [8]

    Exponential population growth occurs when resources are unlimited. This causes populations
    exhibit inhibited, exponential growth, resulting in a J-shaped curve.

    Logistic population growth occurs when resources are limited and the size of the population is
    dependant on the carrying capacity of the environment. In logistic growth, population expansion
    decreases as resources become scarce resulting in an S-shaped curve.

    4. Explain what is meant by competitive exclusion principle [4]

    The competitive exclusion principle (Gause's Law) states: two species that compete for the
    exact same resources cannot stably coexist. This means that when 2 different species
    depend on the sane limited resource there will be competition between them and that they
    can’t peacefully coincide without certain measures like resource partitioning. It can be
    avoided if one species adapts so that they use a different resource, occupy a different area
    of the habitat, or feed during a different time of day.

    5. Why do species occur where they do? [3]


    Different species live in certain habitats they are well adapted to and suited for. They live in
    a certain habitat where their food source is found, their bodies are best suited for and their
    ecological niches are fulfilled. They live where they are best able to survive.

    6. Citing examples, distinguish between density dependent and density independent factors
    that influence population size? [4]

    Density dependent factors are population limiting factors that are dependent on the size of
    the population and increase in effect the larger the population becomes. Examples are:
    dieease, predation and competition.

    Density Independent factors are population limiting factors which are not dependent on
    the size of the population and occur irrespectively of the population density and size.
    Examples of such factors include natural disasters as floods and earthquakes as well as
    weather and climate.

    Total marks [30]

    Due Date: 23 October 2020

    NO DIRECT COPYING FROM NOTES IT’S A SERIOUS OFFENCE

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