Population Growth

What is a population in population biology?

Group of organisms of the same species occupying a particular space at the same time

How is population change calculated?

Births – deaths + immigration – emigration.

What is a modular organism?

An organism that produces genetically identical clones.

What is a genet?

The genetic individual of a modular organism, composed of many modules.

What are some examples of clonal plant species?

• Stolons

• Rhizomes

• Suckers

What is parthenogenesis?

Development from an unfertilized egg cell.

What triggers parthenogenesis?

• Lack of males

• Favorable conditions for rapid growth

What is the significance of age structure in populations?

Predicts future population dynamics.

What does a life table follow?

Cohorts to identify age-specific parameters.

What is natality in population biology?

Births, germination, eggs laid, fission events.

What is the net reproductive rate (Ro)?

Sum of lxmx; indicates if the population is increasing or decreasing.

What are the three types of survivorship curves?

• Type 1: High survival of juveniles

• Type 2: Fairly constant mortality

• Type 3: High juvenile mortality

What is the leading cause of current extinction across the globe?

Habitat loss due to human activities.

What is the Species at Risk Act (2002)?

Encourages protective measures for wildlife species in Canada.

What is the primary focus of COSEWIC?

Identifies threatened species and populations, determines conservation status.

What does the term ‘extirpation’ refer to?

The local extinction of a population.

Fill in the blank: The formula for calculating population size at a future time is Nnow = Nthen + B – D + I – _______.

E

True or False: Exponential growth occurs when the per capita growth rate stays the same regardless of population size.

True

What are some examples of invasive species mentioned?

• Gypsy Moths

• Kudzu

• Zebra Mussels

• Largemouth Bass

What is a cohort population biology?

A group containing individuals of the same age.

What is the significance of the Arctic Tern in terms of migratory behavior?

Migrates from pole to pole, covering 35,000 km per year.

What is the effect of zebra mussels on aquatic ecosystems?

• Filter feeders

• Increased light penetration

• Decreased dissolved oxygen

What are the two Pacific populations of grey whales?

Extinct Atlantic population and recolonization possible via Northwest Passage.

What is the role of habitat maps in the Species at Risk Act?

Potential for species to occur is identified.

What is the significance of modular death in modular organisms?

Modulesnow = Modulesthen - Modular Birth - Modular Death.

What is the relationship between age of parents and natality?

Age of parents may also be important.

What is the impact of invasive common earthworms on ecosystems?

• Disruption of nutrient cycles

• Decreased leaf litter

• Encouraging colonization of non-indigenous species