Problem 1
List for plants and animals six reasons why the assumption that population growth at a given point in time depends only on conditions at that time and not on past events might be incorrect.
Problem 2
Determine the population growth curve for 10 generations for an annual plant with a net reproductive rate of 6 and a starting density of 35 Assume a constant reproductive rate [Equation (1)].
Problem 8
Discuss how the logistic pattern of population growth might be changed if \(K\) and \(r\) are not constant but vary over time. May \((1981, \text { pp. } 24-27)\) discusses some simple examples.
Problem 9
The giant lobelia Lobelia deckenii keniensis on Mount Kenya produces on average 250,000 seeds and flowers every eight years. Average adult survival is 0.984 per year. Plants do not begin setting seed until they are 50 years old. Assuming for simplicity a twostage life cycle (seeds, adult plants), calculate what survival rate of seeds would produce a stable population \((\lambda=1.0) .\) How would this survival rate change if the plants flowered every year instead of only once every eight years?
Problem 10
A feral house mouse population can increase at \(r=\) 0.0246 per day. At this rate of increase, how many days are needed for the population to double?
Problem 11
Discuss the current projections for the human population of the Earth for \(2050 .\) These projections can be obtained from the Web site of the Population Reference Bureau, the U.S. Census Bureau, or the United Nations Population Division. To what variables are these projections most sensitive?
