Chapter 11 Vocabulary - Describing Populations and Their Growth

Flashcards for vocabulary review on population dynamics, incorporating terms, definitions, and concepts from the provided text.

Population size (N)

The number of individuals of the same species living within a specific geographical area.

Population density (Dp)

The number of individuals per unit of volume or area.

Transect

A long, relatively narrow rectangular area or line used for sampling a population.

Quadrat

An area of specific size used for sampling a population, often used for immobile organisms.

Mark-recapture

A method in which animals are captured, marked, released, then recaptured to estimate population size.

Distribution pattern

The pattern in which a population is distributed or spread in an area. Types are uniform, random, and clumped.

Life history

The survivorship and reproductive patterns shown by individuals in a population.

Fecundity

The average number of offspring produced by a female over her lifetime.

Survivorship

The number or percentage of organisms that typically live to a given age in a given population.

Immigration

The movement of individuals into a population.

Emigration

The movement of individuals out of a population.

Biotic potential

The highest possible per capita growth rate for a population.

Exponential growth

The growth pattern exhibited by a population growing at its biotic potential.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size that a habitat can sustain over an extended period of time.

Logistic growth

The growth pattern exhibited by a population for which growth is limited by carrying capacity and resource availability.

r-selected strategies

Life strategies used by populations that live close to their biotic potential.

K-selected strategies

Life strategies used by populations that live close to the carrying capacity of their environment.

Density-independent factor

An abiotic event that affects population growth in the same way, regardless of population density.

Density-dependent factor

A biotic interaction that varies in its effect on population growth, depending on the density of the populations involved.

Intraspecific competition

A situation in which members of the same population compete for resources.

Interspecific competition

A situation in which two or more populations compete for limited resources.

Population cycle

Alternating periods of large and small population sizes.

Sinusoidal growth

A wavelike oscillating growth pattern that is typical of predator-prey interactions.

Protective colouration

Adaptations that help individuals avoid predation, including camouflage and mimicry.

Symbiosis

An ecological relationship between two species living in direct contact, including parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship in which a symbiont lives off and harms the host.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship in which one partner benefits and the other partner neither benefits nor is harmed.