Human Population (Ch.5)

Question 1

Describe the 4 stages of a typical population growth curve.

Answer 1

1) lag phase
2) exponential growth
3) reaching carrying capacity
4) leveling off

Question 2

What is the difference between logistic and exponential growth?

Answer 2

logistic growth- due to a population facing limited (s-shaped curve)
exponential growth- rapid population increase due to an abundance of resources (J-shaped curve)

Question 3

What are the density dependent and density independent factors? Give 2 examples.

Answer 3

density-dependent- limiting factors, number of individuals
ex) predation, disease
density-independent- limits a populations growth
ex) unusual weather, human activities, natural disasters

Question 4

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 4

maximum number of individuals in a population

Question 5

What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Answer 5

threatens biodiversity
1) habitat loss
2) pollution
3)over harvesting