AP Environmental Science - Chapter 5 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 5 (Population Ecology) key terms to aid in exam preparation.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area.

Population Dispersion

The spatial distribution of individuals within a population.

Uniform Dispersion

Even spacing of individuals in an area, often due to territorial behavior.

Random Dispersion

Unpredictable distribution, with no pattern.

Clumped Dispersion

Individuals are grouped in patches, often around resources.

Biotic Potential

The maximum reproductive rate of a population under ideal conditions.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustain.

Exponential Population Growth

Rapid growth without limiting factors; J-shaped curve.

Logistic Population Growth

Growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity; S-shaped curve.

Overshoot

When a population exceeds the carrying capacity, often followed by a crash.

Rule of 70

Used to estimate doubling time; 70 divided by the percent growth rate.

Doubling Time

The time it takes for a population to double in size.

r-selected Organisms

Species that reproduce quickly and in large numbers but with less parental care.

K-selected Organisms

Species that reproduce more slowly, with fewer offspring and more parental care.

Survivorship Curves

Graphs that show the likelihood of survival at different ages.

Cohort

A group of individuals of the same age within a population.

Type I Survivorship

High survival early in life; most die late (e.g., humans).

Type II Survivorship

Constant death rate over lifespan (e.g., birds).

Type III Survivorship

High death rate early in life (e.g., fish, insects).

Boom-and-Bust Cycle

Rapid increase followed by a sharp decline in population.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that affect population size more as density increases (e.g., disease, competition).

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect population size regardless of density (e.g., weather events).

Crude Birth Rate

The number of live births per 1,000 people per year.

Crude Death Rate

The number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.

Actual Growth Rate

(Birth rate - death rate) + (immigration - emigration) / 10

Emigration

Movement of individuals out of a population.

Immigration

Movement of individuals into a population.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The average number of children a woman is expected to have.

Replacement Birth Rate

The fertility rate needed to maintain population size (around 2.1 in developed countries).

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of deaths of infants under age one per 1,000 live births.

Age-Structure Pyramids

Graphs that show the distribution of a population by age and sex.

Pre-reproductive

Individuals not yet of reproductive age.

Reproductive

Individuals of reproductive age.

Post-reproductive

Individuals past reproductive age.

Population Momentum

Continued population growth after fertility rates decline due to a large proportion of young people.

Malthusian Catastrophe

The idea that population growth will outpace food supply, leading to famine and conflict.

Demographic Transition

The process of change in a population’s birth and death rates over time.

Preindustrial State

High birth and death rates; population grows slowly or not at all.

Transitional State

Death rates drop due to better health care, birth rates remain high; population grows rapidly.

Industrial State

Birth rates decline; population growth slows.

Postindustrial State

Birth and death rates are low; population stabilizes or declines.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms altered using genetic engineering to exhibit desired traits.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in large amounts (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, fats).

Micronutrients

Nutrients needed in small amounts (e.g., vitamins, minerals).

Hunger

The discomfort caused by lack of food.

Malnutrition

Poor nutrition due to insufficient, excessive, or unbalanced diet.

Undernourished

Not consuming enough calories to be healthy.

Food Deserts

Areas where access to affordable and nutritious food is limited.