2.2 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What do population ecologists study?
Population size, distribution, and growth rate, influenced by factors like resource availability and the presence of other species.
Why do ecologists study populations?
To understand what makes populations thrive, decline, or become overpopulated to manage them and their impacts.
What is a population?
All the individuals of a species that live in the same geographic area and can interact and interbreed.
What is a population’s range?
The geographic area where a species or one of its populations can be found.
What are the three types of population distribution?
Clumped, random, and uniform distribution.
What is population dynamics?
Changes over time in population size and composition.
What is the minimum viable population?
The smallest number of individuals needed for a population to persist and grow.
What is carrying capacity?
The maximum population size an environment can support indefinitely.
What is exponential growth?
When population growth is unrestricted, leading to a J-shaped curve on a graph.
What is logistic growth?
When population growth slows as it reaches carrying capacity, forming an S-shaped curve.
What are density-dependent factors?
Factors like predation and disease that are influenced by population size.
What are density-independent factors?
Factors like storms or avalanches that impact populations regardless of size.
What are r-selected species?
Species with high biotic potential, short lifespans, early maturity, and high reproduction rates.
What are K-selected species?
Species with low biotic potential, long lifespans, later maturity, and low reproduction rates.
