Population Ecology Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts and questions from the Population Ecology lecture, including definitions, differences in population growth models, and the implications of the ecological footprint.

What are the four key terms that relate to one another in population ecology?

Individual, population, community, and ecosystem.

What does the term carrying capacity mean?

The maximum population size that the environment can sustain indefinitely.

How does exponential population growth differ from logistic population growth?

Exponential growth is continuous and unlimited while logistic growth levels off as the population reaches carrying capacity.

What type of growth do most populations follow?

Most populations follow logistic growth.

Distinguish between density-dependent and density-independent factors. Give examples.

Density-dependent factors rely on population density, such as reduced food supply; density-independent factors do not, such as natural disasters.

Which population is more likely to experience exponential growth, Population A affected mainly by density-dependent factors or Population B affected mainly by density-independent factors?

Population B is more likely to experience exponential growth due to less regulation from density-dependent factors.

For most of human history, have we shown logistic or exponential growth?

Humans have shown exponential growth for the majority of our history.

Have humans exceeded the carrying capacity of the planet?

Yes, humans have exceeded the carrying capacity; human activities continue to modify it.

How does the ecological footprint of the US compare to the rest of the world?

The US has a larger ecological footprint compared to most other countries.

What can age structure pyramids tell us about a population?

They can indicate the expected future growth and demographic trends of the population.

What constitutes a population in ecology?

More than two members of the same species living in the same place at the same time.

If individuals in close proximity spread disease, what term describes this situation?

It is a density-dependent factor.

Is it true or false that it is difficult to determine the carrying capacity for humans because they are not affected by density-independent factors?

True.