Emerging Diseases and Population Growth

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts covered in the lecture notes about emerging diseases, population dynamics, and components of the immune system.

Emerging Disease

A disease that is new to a particular population.

Epidemic

A rapid spread or growth of disease in a population.

Population Density

The number of individuals in a given area, typically measured as individuals per unit area.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that affect population growth based on population size, such as competition for resources.

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect population growth regardless of size, such as natural disasters.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of any species that can be indefinitely supported in a specific area.

Innate Immunity

The defense system an individual is born with, providing non-specific defense against all antigens.

Adaptive Immunity

A type of immunity involving specialized immune cells and antibodies that provide a targeted response to pathogens.

Antigens

Foreign substances that provoke an immune response in the body.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by plasma cells to identify and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.