Population Growth and Regulation

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to population growth, regulation, and various ecological models.

Population Ecology

The study of how and why the number of individuals in a population changes over time.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size that an environment can support.

Exponential Population Growth

A model of population growth in which a population grows rapidly under ideal conditions and follows a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Population Growth

A model of population growth that includes density-dependent factors and levels off as population size approaches carrying capacity.

Density-dependent Factors

Factors that influence population size based on the population's density, such as resource limitation and competition.

Density-independent Factors

Factors that limit population size regardless of the population density, such as weather or natural disasters.

Overshoot

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, potentially leading to resource depletion.

Die-off

A substantial decline in density that typically goes well below the carrying capacity.

Population Growth Rate (dN/dt)

The change in population size (N) over time (t), calculated as births minus deaths.

Fecundity (b)

The reproductive rate of individuals in a population.

Mortality (d)

The death rate within a population.

r (per capita growth rate)

The rate of growth of the population per individual.

Population Size (N)

The total number of individuals in a population.

Mathematical Models in Population Ecology

Tools used to describe and predict population size and growth rates.

Population Regulation

The processes that limit population growth, including resource availability and interactions among individuals.

Ideal Conditions for Growth

Scenarios where resources are plentiful and environmental factors are stable, allowing for rapid population increase.