BSC 2011: Biological Diversity - Population Ecology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to population ecology as discussed in the lecture.

Population Ecology

The study of how biotic and abiotic factors influence the size of interbreeding individuals within populations.

Biotic Factors

Living components that affect population size and structure, such as predators and prey.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living physical and chemical elements in the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

Demography

The statistical study of populations, including the structure, distribution, and trends of a population.

Life Tables

Tables that provide age-specific summaries of survival and reproduction for a population.

Net Reproductive Rate (R0)

A measure of the number of females produced in generation t+1 compared to the number of females produced in generation t.

Per Capita Growth Rate (r)

The change in population size over time per individual in the population.

Exponential Growth

Population growth that occurs under ideal conditions with no limitations, resulting in a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that slows as it approaches the carrying capacity of the environment, resulting in an S-shaped curve.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that affect population growth in relation to the population density, such as competition and disease.

Density-Independent Factors

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

r-selected Species

Species that reproduce quickly and have high per capita population growth but are poor competitors.

K-selected Species

Species that have a lower reproductive rate and are well adapted to living at or near carrying capacity.

Survivorship Curve

A graph that shows the number or proportion of individuals surviving at each age for a given species.

Ecological Footprint

The total area of productive land and water needed to produce the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated by a population.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area or volume.

Intrinsic Growth Rate (rmax)

The maximum potential growth rate of a population under ideal conditions.