CH 36 - Population Ecology Flashcards
(23 cards)
Define Population
group of individuals of same species that occupy same general area
Population ecology is concerned with…
changes in pop size & factors that regulate pops over time
Define Population density
number of individuals of a species per unit area/volume
Define Dispersion Pattern
Way individuals are spaced within their area.
Define Clumped Dispersion Pattern
individuals are grouped into patches / most common
Define Uniform Dispersion Pattern
Results from interactions between the individuals of a pop.
Define Random Dispersion Pattern
Where individuals in a pop are spaced in an unpredictable way, without a pattern.
Define Limiting Factors.
Environmental factors that restrict population growth
What do Life Tables do?
Track survivorship, chance of an individual in a given pop surviving to various ages
Info on ‘Exponential Growth Model’
Exponential growth (G = rN) describes population increase under ideal conditions / G = growth, N = pop size, r = per capita growth rate / assumes births exceed deaths, w/ immigration & emigration balanced, unlimited growth potential.
Define Intraspecific Competition
Where individuals of the same species compete for limited resources
What’s Logistic Growth Model.
Description of idealized pop growth that is slowed by limiting factors as the
pop size increases
Define Density-dependent Factors
limiting factors whose intensity is related to pop density / appear to restrict growth in natural pops
Define Population-limiting factor
pop-limiting factor whose intensity is unrelated to pop density
Define Life History
Traits that affect an organism’s schedule of reproduction & death
Define r-selection
small-bodied, short-lived animals that develop & reach sexual maturity rapidly / have large # of offspring & little to no parental care / maximizes pop growth
Define K-selection
organisms usually larger, develop slowly, & have few offspring that are well cared for
Info on ‘Practical Application’
Pop ecology rules guide resource management by balancing growth & conservation / Sustainable practices help maintain high growth rates for renewable resources while controlling pests - allows long-term ecological & economic benefits.
Define Age Structure
of individuals in different age groups / helpful for predicting future growth
Info on ‘Human Populations’
Advances in tech & health drive - population growth / When birth & death rates are =, growth stops. / The world undergoes a demographic transition to lower birth & death rates.
Define Ecological Footprint
estimate of the land & water area required to provide the resources an individual/nation consumes
Define Biocapacity
Earth’s capacity to renew resources,
Sustainability ensures
resource use meets present needs w/ out compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
