Chapter 8 Flashcards
(24 cards)
Define Population
all members of the same species living in an area
What are the 4 major characteristics of a population?
size
density
dispersion
age distribution
What are the 3 dispersion patterns and which is the most common?
clumped
scattered
orderly
What is the equation for determining population density?
total population divided by total area
What is the equation for determining population density?
(births + immigration) - (deaths + emigration)
What is the rate at which a population would grow if it had unlimited resources?
intrinsic rate of increase
What are factors that limit the growth of a population collectively called?
environmental resistance
What is determined by the interplay of environmental resistance and biotic potential?
carrying capacity
Define carrying capacity.
the number of individuals of a species that can be sustained by the environment
What is biotic potential?
maximum rate at which a population can grow when no limits
What are some characteristics of a population with high biotic potential?
reproduce early
short generation times
reproduce a lot
produce many offspring
What is the curve that illustrates unlimited growth of a population?
exponential growth
What are the 3 phases of logistic growth?
exponential growth
slows down
population stabilizes
What are limiting factors?
things that prohibit a population from growing
What are factors that depend on the density of the population?
density dependent
List some density-independent factors.
weather
natural disasters
droughts
What is the type of relationship in which changes occur in a patter over a regular period of time?
cyclic
What is the type of relationship in which population size fluctuates slightly above and below carrying capacity?
stable
What is the type of relationship indicated by having fairly stable populations that have a population explosion but then return to a lower size rather quickly?
irruptive
What is the type of relationship that shows no real pattern?
irregular
What characteristics would describe r-selected species?
small offspring
age rapidly
short generation times
What characteristics would describe k-selected species?
little energy
reproduce late
few offspring with long generation times
What are three risks/problems associated with sexual reproduction?
females must reproduce 2X many kids
increased change of genetic defects
takes time and energy
Why is sexual reproduction important?
more genetic diversity
males help out with taking care of kids and helping them grow
