Apes Mod 16: Carrying Capacity, Population Growth, & Resource Availabiloty

Density-dependent factor

A factor that influences an individual’s probability of survival and reproduction in a manner that depends on the size of the population.

Density-independent factor

A factor that has the same effect on an individual’s probability of survival and reproduction at any population size.

Population growth models

Mathematical equations that can be used to predict population size at any moment in time.

Fecundity

The ability to produce an abundance of offspring.

Exponential growth model

A growth model that estimates a population’s future size after a period of time based on the biotic potential and the number of reproducing individuals currently in the population.

J-shaped curve

The curve of the exponential growth model when graphed.

Logistic growth model

A growth model that describes a population whose growth is initially exponential, but slows as the population approaches the carrying capacity of the environment.

S-shaped curve

The shape of the logistic growth model when graphed.

Limiting resource

A resource that a population cannot live without and that occurs in quantities lower than the population would require to increase in size.