Ecology and Population Biology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing concepts of ecology, population dynamics, demographic metrics, and human population growth.

Species Abundance in Diverse Communities

In a biological community with high diversity, such as a tropical rainforest, the abundance of any one single species is likely to be small.

Walking Stick Insect

An insect species that serves as an example of mimicry.

r-Selected Species

Organisms that have shorter generation times, reach sexual maturity earlier, have more young, and have shorter life spans (e.g., mosquitoes).

Habitat

The place or set of environmental conditions in which a particular organism lives.

SUPERFLY Population Growth

A theoretical population growth pattern exhibiting a J-shaped curve (geometric increase) resulting from unlimited food and zero mortality.

Zero Population Growth (ZPG)

Occurs when the birth rate plus immigration equals the death rate plus emigration.

First Step of Demographic Transition

Improving the living conditions of all members of a population.

Dependency Ratio

The number of nonworking individuals compared to working individuals in a population.

Annual Growth Rate Calculation

In a population of 1000 people with 40 births and 20 deaths per year (and no migration), the annual percentage growth rate is $2.0\%$.

Ecological Footprint

An estimate of the amount of land required to support a person and their lifestyle.

Effective Population Stabilization

Increasing child survival is one of the most effective ways to stabilize populations.

Age Structure (Under 15)

A population with a large proportion of individuals under age 15 suggests continued population growth in the future as younger people reach reproductive age.

Historical Population Limiters

Factors that mostly limited human populations historically up until the Middle Ages, specifically disease, famine, and war.

Developed Country Demographic Profile

Characterized by demographic traits such as a median age over 40 years old and a life expectancy greater than 80 years.

Developing Country Demographic Profile

Characterized by demographic traits such as an annual population growth rate of 2–3% and a total fertility rate of 3–5 children per woman.

Total Fertility Rate

The number of children born to an average woman in a population during her entire reproductive life.

Fastest Population Growth Condition

Occurs in a country where birth rates remain high while death rates decline.

Primary Driver of Recent Population Growth

Increased life expectancy.