List of top Questions asked in GATE EY- 2024

The graphs shown represent the relationship between population size (\(N\)) and population growth rate \(\frac{dN}{dt}\). Which one of the following growth curves represents a density-dependent population that experiences a strong Allee effect?
\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{44.png}

The abundance (X) of a plant species with respect to the anthropogenic stressor habitat destruction (h) is shown. The solid and the dashed curves represent stable and unstable population equilibrium abundances, respectively. \includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{45a.png}
In the absence of any stochasticity, and with increasing values of h, what is the value of h at which a sudden population collapse would occur?

An ecologist must determine whether (i) the means of two independent samples differ, and (ii) there is an association between two continuous variables. Assuming that all samples are normally distributed, which one of the following options represents the most appropriate statistical tests for (i) and (ii), respectively?

Which two of the following processes can result in a decline in heterozygosity in populations? I) Inbreeding; II) Genetic drift; III) Mutation; IV) Random mating

Which one of the options given best matches vector to disease? \begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline Vector & Disease
\hline I. Fleas & P. Kyasanur Forest Disease
II. Ticks & Q. Dengue
III. Mosquitoes & R. Plague
\hline \end{tabular} \end{center}

Optimal foraging theory predicts whether a foraging animal will be risk-prone, risk-averse or risk-insensitive depending on a utility function that describes the value of each additional food item to the animal. Risk-prone foraging is expected when the utility increases disproportionately with each additional food item encountered. Which one of the graphs shown depicts a scenario where risk-prone foraging would be expected?
\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{42a.png}

Given below is a table with ecological observations and processes. \begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline Ecological observations & Processes
\hline P) Bright spotted pigmentation in guppy males in low predation habitats & I) Kin selection
Q) Vampire bats share blood meals & II) Sexual selection
R) Cooperative breeding in African weaver birds & III) Reciprocal altruism
\hline \end{tabular} \end{center} Select the option that best matches each ecological observation with its corresponding process.

Males of the swordtail fish \textit{Xiphophorus helleri possess long tails, while those of \textit{X. maculatus} do not. Females of \textit{X. helleri} prefer males with longer tails. Interestingly, experimental studies show that females of \textit{X. maculatus} prefer \textit{X. maculatus} males with attached artificial long tails over those without.} If the long-tailed \textit{Xiphophorus species evolved from ancestors that lacked a long tail, which one of the following processes best explains the evolution of the observed preference among \textit{X. maculatus} females?}

Consider a randomly breeding population of squirrels with two morphs – white-striped and brown-striped. In a population, 16\% are white-striped individuals, while the rest are all brown-striped. The trait for stripes is governed by one gene where the allele for brown stripes is dominant. Assuming Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of the allele for white stripes would be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Round off to two decimal places)

Two species of fruit bats (Species 1 and Species 2) eat fruits of varying sizes. The curves shown represent the ecological niche for these two species. If the curves for both species were to completely overlap, which one or more of the statements given would be correct?
\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{image.png}

Male voles pair with either a single female (monogamous) or with two females (polygynous) during a given breeding season. The probability of a male being polygynous in a breeding season is 0.2. The reproductive success (number of offspring) of monogamous males is 2, and of polygynous males is 3. A male’s expected reproductive success in a breeding season is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Round off to one decimal place)

The figure shows the time-series of atmospheric CO\(_2\) concentration on Earth (graph not-to-scale).
\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{24.png}
Which one of the factors given is the primary reason for the sudden increase in atmospheric CO\(_2\) concentration after 1950?

Which one of the following theories is supported by the distribution patterns of extinct flora such as \textit{Glossopteris across South America, Africa, and Australia, and extant marsupial mammals across South America and Australia?}