chapter 4 ecology

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area

Dispersion

the pattern of spacing among individuals within the boundaries of the population

Density-Independent Factor

limiting factor that affects all populations in similar ways, regardless of population size

Density-Dependent Factor

factor that limits a population more as population density increases

Population Growth Rate

explains how fast a given population grows

Emigration

Migration from a location to a new one

Immigration

Migration to a new location from a old one

Carrying Capacity

Largest number of individuals of a population that a environment can support

Demography

The scientific study of population characteristics.

Demography Transition

change in a population from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates

Zero Population Growth

A decline of the total fertility rate to the point where the natural increase rate equals zero.

Age Structure

number of males and females of each age in a population