Competition and Population Dynamics in Ecology

Population Growth Curve

Graph showing population size over time.

Exponential Growth

Population growth without resource limitations.

Population Growth Curve

Graph showing population size over time.

Exponential Growth

Population growth without resource limitations.

Carrying Capacity (K)

Maximum population size an environment can sustain.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition among individuals of the same species.

Interference Competition

Direct antagonistic behavior for resources.

Resource Competition

Indirect competition for shared resources.

Niche Partitioning

Species using different resources to coexist.

Lotka-Volterra Model

Mathematical model for population dynamics with competition.

Competition Coefficient (α)

Measures impact of one species on another.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Identical niches cannot coexist indefinitely.

Self-Thinning

Population density decreases as resources are consumed.

Adaptive Radiation

Rapid diversification of species into new forms.

Character Displacement

Species evolve differences when coexisting.

Finite Resources

Limited availability of resources affecting populations.

Density-Dependent Growth

Growth rate influenced by population density.

Species-Area Relationship

Larger areas support more species diversity.

Ecological Niche

Role and position of a species in its environment.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

Native Species

Species that naturally occur in a region.

Damselfish Behavior

Aggressive territorial defense among damselfish.

K1 and K2

Carrying capacities for two competing species.

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area.

Predation Pressure

Impact of predators on prey populations.

Genetic Factors

Influence of genetics on resource use efficiency.

Coexistence

Species living together without one outcompeting the other.

Mutual Competitive Exclusion

One species eliminates another through competition.

Realized Niche

Actual conditions and resources used by a species.

Fundamental Niche

Potential conditions a species can occupy.

Ecological Succession

Process of change in species composition over time.