Population Dynamics & Ecological Succession Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining population dynamic factors, growth curves, and primary succession concepts based on the provided notes.

Density-Dependent Limiting Factors

Limiting factors affected by the number of individuals in a given area, which tend to be biotic components found within an ecosystem.

Competition

An interaction where members of populations compete with each other for limited resources such as food, water, space, sunlight, or mates.

Predation

An interaction between two populations where one is the predator and the other is prey, often creating a cyclic pattern in the rise and fall of both populations over time.

Parasitism and Disease

Density-dependent factors that spread rapidly through dense populations and reduce the size of the population.

Waste Accumulation

The increased production of waste as population density rises, leading to a higher risk of disease transmission.

Density-Independent Limiting Factors

Limiting factors that limit population growth regardless of population size or density, which tend to be non-living (abiotic) components.

Linear Growth

A growth model where a population increases by the same constant amount over each time period, producing a straight line graph.

Logistic Growth

A growth model where a population grows quickly at first, slows down due to limited resources, and eventually levels off in an S-shape curve.

Carrying Capacity

The largest number of individuals in a population that the environment can support without running out of resources.

Exponential Growth

A growth model where a population multiplies and grows faster and faster as it gets larger, creating a J-shaped curve when resources are unlimited.

Ecological Succession

A series of progressive changes in the species that make up a community over time.

Primary Succession

The development of a new ecosystem in a place where no life or soil was present before, such as bare rock or cooled lava.

Pioneer Species

The first species to arrive in a lifeless area (such as lichens, moss, algae, fungi, and coral) that can withstand harsh conditions and break down rock into soil.

Climax Community

A stable, complex ecosystem reached at the final stage of succession, which remains stable but can still undergo changes from environmental conditions.

Surtsey Island

An island off the coast of Iceland formed by a volcanic eruption in 1963, representing a real-world scenario of primary succession.

Mount St. Helens

A volcano in Washington State that erupted in 1980, serving as a real-world scenario of primary succession.

Signy Island

An island site of glacier and ice field retreat, representing a real-world scenario of primary succession.