Population and sustainability Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is a population in ecological terms?
A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time.
True or False: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals an environment can support sustainably.
True
Fill in the blank: The ____________ is a graphical representation of the age structure of a population.
population pyramid
What factors can affect population size?
Birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
Define ‘sustainability’ in the context of populations.
The ability to maintain population levels without degrading the environment or depleting resources.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a density-dependent factor affecting population growth? A) Food availability B) Disease C) Natural disasters D) Competition
C) Natural disasters
What is the significance of the logistic growth model?
It describes how populations grow rapidly until they reach carrying capacity, then level off.
True or False: Invasive species can negatively impact native populations.
True
Fill in the blank: ____________ is the study of how populations change over time.
Population dynamics
What is the difference between r-selected and K-selected species?
r-selected species produce many offspring with little parental care, while K-selected species produce fewer offspring with high parental investment.
What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?
They have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
True or False: Biodiversity contributes to the resilience of ecosystems.
True
Fill in the blank: ____________ refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Biodiversity
What is the impact of habitat destruction on populations?
It can lead to declines in population size and even extinction.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a method for conserving biodiversity? A) Urban development B) Pollution C) Protected areas D) Deforestation
C) Protected areas
What is carrying capacity determined by?
Resource availability, environmental conditions, and species interactions.
True or False: Overfishing can lead to the collapse of fish populations.
True
What is the purpose of conservation biology?
To study and protect biodiversity and manage natural resources sustainably.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of climate change on populations? A) Increased biodiversity B) Altered species distributions C) Stabilized ecosystems D) Enhanced food production
B) Altered species distributions
What is the role of ecological niches in population dynamics?
Niches determine how species interact with each other and their environment, influencing population sizes.
True or False: Population genetics studies the genetic composition of populations over time.
True
Fill in the blank: ____________ is the maximum rate at which a population can grow under ideal conditions.
Biotic potential
What is the main goal of sustainable development?
To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are k-strategists?
These are organisms which do not give birth to a-lot of offspring at once. Eg. Lions, humans, elephants
