Population Dynamics and Species Interactions

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to population dynamics, species interactions, and ecological principles.

Overpopulation

A situation where a species' population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.

Exponential growth

A growth pattern where a population grows rapidly without limitations on resources.

Carrying capacity (K)

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that affect population growth in accordance with population density, such as food availability and disease.

Lynx-hare cycling

A classic example of population dynamics where predator and prey populations fluctuate in relation to each other.

Demographic Transition Model

A model that describes the stages a population goes through as it transitions from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates.

Fundamental niche

The range of environmental conditions under which a species can survive and reproduce.

Realized niche

The actual range of conditions in which a species exists, influenced by interactions with other species.

Batesian mimicry

A mimicry type where a harmless species resembles a harmful one to deter predators.

Chemical defenses in plants

Secondary metabolites, such as toxins or distasteful compounds, that help protect plants from herbivores.

Mutualism

An interaction between species where both benefit from the relationship.

Resource partitioning

The process by which competing species utilize different resources or environments to coexist.

Capsaicin

A chemical compound in chili peppers that serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens.

Facultative mutualism

A type of mutualism where both species can survive independently but benefit from their interaction.