NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE, PLOT 91, CASDASTRAL ZONE, NNAMDI AZIKIWE EXPRESS WAY, JABI, ABUJA.
FACULTY OF SCIENCES
JULY 2017 EXAMINATION

COURSE TITLE: ANIMAL ECOLOGY

COURSE CODE: BIO 313              

TIME ALLOWED: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTION: ANSWER QUESTION 1 AND ANY OTHER THREE QUESTIONS

1. (a). Using Figure 1 below, briefly explain on the relationship between k-value and mortality.  10 marks

Figure 1. Relationship between mortality and the k-value.

2. Discuss any thee abiotic factors that affect population.                     9 marks

(c). Summarise the main types of symbiotic relationships in a table listing the type of relationship and the expected outcomes. 6 marks         

2. Differentiate between the following pairs of terms:

1. Ecosystem and Ecology                                                          3 marks
2. Composition and diversity                                                      2 marks
3. Habitat and ecological niche                                                   2 marks
4. Fundamental niche and realised niche                                    2 marks
5. Competition and predation.                                                    2 marks
6. Static life table and population growth rate                           2 marks
7. Factor analysis and K-value in the identification of

key-factors of population dynamics                                       2 marks

3. Write briefly on the different types of competition by:

            (i). mechanism  6 marks

            (ii). species  9 marks

4. (a). What is animal population control? Discuss briefly the main biotic factors that may limit animal population growth.  6 marks

(b). Using appropriate graphs, explain how competition can lead to: (i). Extinction and (ii). Resource partitioning  9 marks

5.  (a). With a clearly labelled schematic diagram, discuss an ocean detritus food web.  12marks

(b). What is the limitation of the k-value concept and why is it difficult to estimate k-value in natural populations  3 marks