Unit 5 - Definitions Flashcards
Population size (N)
Number of individuals of the same species living within a specific geographical area
Population density (D subscript p)
Number of individuals per unit of volume or area
Transect
A long relatively narrow rectangular area or line used for sampling a population
Quadrat
An area of specific size used for sampling a population; often used to sample immobile organisms or those that move every little
Mark-recapture
A method in which animals are captured, marked w a tag, collar, or band, released, then recaptured at a later time to determine an estimate of population size
Distribution pattern
The pattern in which a population is distributed or spread in an area; three types are uniform, random, and clumped
Fecundity
The avg number of offspring produced by a female member of a population over her lifetime
Survivorship
The number or percentage of organisms that typically live to a given age in a given population
Immigration
The movement of individuals into a population
Emigration
The movement of individuals out of a population
Biotic potential
The highest possible per capital growth rate for a population
Exponential growth
The growth pattern exhibited by a population growing at its biotic potential
Carrying capacity
Maximum population size that a habitat can sustain over an extended period of time
Logistic growth
The growth pattern exhibited by a population for which growth is limited by carrying capacity, or limited availability of resources
r-selected strategies
Life strategies used by populations that live close to their biotic potential
K-selected strategies
Life strategies used by populations that live close to the carrying capacity of heir environment
Density-independent factor
An abiotic event that affects population growth in the same way, regardless of population density
Density-dependent factor
A biotic interaction that varies in its effect on population growth, depending on the density of the populations involved
Intraspecific competition
A situation in which members of the same population compete for resources
Interspecific competition
A situation in which two or more populations compete for limited resources
Population cycle
Alternating periods of large and small population sizes
Sinusoidal growth
A wavelike oscillating growth pattern that is typical of predator-prey interactions
Protective colouration
Adaptations that help individuals avoid predation; includes camouflage, mimicry, and body colouration used as a warning signal
Parasitism
A symbiotic relationship in which a symbiont lives off and harms the host
