chpt 27 - Population Growth and Regulation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to population growth and regulation as outlined in Biology Life on Earth, focusing specifically on definitions, processes, and terms relevant to population dynamics.

Population Growth Rate (r)

Change in population size per unit time; birth rate minus death rate.

r = birth rate - death rate

Biotic Potential

Maximum rate a population can grow under ideal conditions.

Carrying Capacity (K)

Maximum population size an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely.

Exponential Growth

Rapid population increase with a constant growth rate; J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that stabilizes near carrying capacity; S-shaped curve.

Density-Dependent Factors

Limit growth more strongly as population density increases (e.g., competition, predation).

Density-Independent Factors

Limit population size regardless of density (e.g., weather, climate).

Invasive Species

Species that grow explosively in new habitats due to high biotic potential and little competition.

(species Invading a new environment)

Natural Increase

Difference between births and deaths in a population.

Survivorship Curves

Graphs showing individuals surviving at each age, illustrating mortality patterns.

Interspecific Competition

Competition for resources between different species.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition for resources within the same species.

Age Structure Diagram

Graphical representation of a population's age composition, indicating growth trends.

Replacement Level Fertility (RLF)

Average number of children per woman to replace the population (typically 2.1).

Boom-and-Bust Cycles

Population cycles with rapid growth followed by dramatic decline (common in short-lived species).

Ecological Footprint

Measure of human environmental impact: land and water area needed to support a lifestyle.

Ecology

The study of interactions among organisms and their environment.

Exponential Growth Curve

Plot showing population growth over time as a J-shaped line.

Logistic Growth Curve

Plot showing population growth over time that stabilizes near carrying capacity, appearing as an S-shaped line.