Unit 3 Review

Generalist species

Species that are more adaptable to disturbances, such as raccoons.

Specialist species

Species that thrive in stable environments, such as pandas.

R-strategists

Species that produce many offspring, provide little care, and have a high growth rate.

K-strategists

Species that produce fewer offspring, provide significant care, and have a longer maturity time.

Invasive species

Species that R-strategists can become due to rapid growth and reproduction.

Survivorship Type 1

Species with high care for offspring, often K-selected.

Survivorship Type 2

Species that experience consistent mortality rates.

Survivorship Type 3

Species that provide minimal care for offspring, often R-selected.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size that can be supported by available resources.

Overshoot

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity.

Dieback

A rapid decline in a population after overshooting the carrying capacity.

Age structure diagrams

Visual representations indicating population growth rates based on age cohorts.

Pre-reproductive cohort

A larger cohort indicating higher birth rates, typically found in developing countries.

Demographic Transition Theory

A model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to low rates as a society industrializes.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The average number of children a woman will have during her reproductive years.

Factors influencing TFR

Age of childbirth, education, and cultural norms.

Population growth rates

Rates indicated by the structure of age cohorts in a population.

Equilibrium in cohorts

A state leading to slower population growth as cohorts stabilize.

High birth/death rates stage

The first stage in demographic transition, typical of pre-industrial societies.

Low birth/death rates stage

The final stage in demographic transition, representative of industrialized societies.

Population stabilization

Occurs as societies develop and move through demographic transition stages.