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10. (a) (i) What does an ecologist mean by competition? (ii) Distinguish clearly between contest competition and scramble competition - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2008
Question 10
10. (a) (i) What does an ecologist mean by competition? (ii) Distinguish clearly between contest competition and scramble competition. (b) Read the follow... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:10. (a) (i) What does an ecologist mean by competition? (ii) Distinguish clearly between contest competition and scramble competition - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 10 - 2008
Step 1
What does an ecologist mean by competition?
Answer
Competition in ecology refers to the struggle between organisms, such as animals or plants, for limited resources such as food, space, or other essential needs. This interaction can significantly affect population dynamics and community structure.
Step 2
Distinguish clearly between contest competition and scramble competition.
Answer
In contest competition, individuals compete directly for a resource, resulting in some individuals obtaining the resource at the expense of others. In contrast, scramble competition occurs when individuals share a resource, but the resource is in short supply, leading to all individuals being limited in access.
Step 3
Which graph, A or B represents the carnivorous mites? Explain your answer.
Answer
Graph B represents the carnivorous mites. This is indicated by smaller numbers or a peak occurring after the peak observed in graph A, which represents the cyclamen mites. The timing and reduction in numbers support the predator-prey relationship.
Step 4
What term is used to describe the relationship between the cyclamen mites and the carnivorous mites?
Answer
The term used to describe the relationship between the cyclamen mites and the carnivorous mites is 'predation'. This indicates a predator-prey dynamic where the carnivorous mites feed on the cyclamen mites.
Step 5
Give two reasons why the cyclamen mite managed to quickly re-invade the strawberry fields.
Answer
- Reduced competition due to the elimination of the carnivorous mites by pesticides, allowing the cyclamen mites to thrive without predator pressure.
- The high reproductive rate and resilience of cyclamen mites enable them to quickly re-colonize and increase their population after a disturbance.
Step 6
Suggest an alternative to the use of pesticides for controlling the cyclamen mite population.
Answer
An alternative approach could involve biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators or using genetically modified (GM) plants that either deter cyclamen mites or can tolerate their presence without significant damage.
Step 7
Apart from competition and the factor illustrated in the above example, state another factor that may influence population growth.
Answer
Another factor influencing population growth is disease, pollution, or toxins in the environment. These elements can adversely affect organism health and reproductive capacity, thus impacting population dynamics.
Step 8
Step 9
Give an example of waste produced in aquaculture or fisheries or forestry and describe how it is managed.
Answer
In aquaculture, an example of waste produced is excess feed and fecal matter. This is often managed by implementing effective filtration systems and practices to recycle water, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
Step 10