Unit 3: Populations Topic Summary

What are generalist species?

Species that are able to thrive in a wide variety of environments and have a varied diet.

What distinguishes specialist species from generalists?

Specialists have a specific habitat and diet and do better in consistent environments.

What are K-selected species?

Large species that have few offspring, invest a lot of energy in them, and live in stable environments.

What are r-selected species?

Small species that have many offspring, mature quickly, and typically do not invest a lot of energy in them.

What is biotic potential?

The maximum reproductive rate of a population under ideal conditions.

Explain survivorship curves.

Graphs that display the survival rates of a cohort from birth to death, categorized into Type I, Type II, and Type III.

What does carrying capacity (K) refer to?

The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can support.

What is a major consequence of overshooting carrying capacity?

Dieback of the population due to lack of resources.

Which factors affect the total fertility rate (TFR) in human populations?

Age at first childbirth, educational opportunities, access to family planning, and government policies.

What does the demographic transition model illustrate?

The transition from high birth and death rates to lower rates as a country develops from preindustrial to industrial.