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Population Dynamics

The study of changes in population size, density, dispersion, and age structure over time.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area for terrestrial species, calculated as Density = Population/Area.

Clumped Dispersion

A pattern of population distribution where species cluster in areas where resources are available.

Uniform Dispersion

A distribution pattern where individuals are spaced evenly, often due to territoriality or competition.

Random Dispersion

A distribution pattern where individuals are spread independently of each other, occurring in homogeneous environments.

Exponential Growth

Population growth under ideal conditions, described by a J-shaped curve where the growth rate increases over time.

Biotic Potential

The maximum capacity of a species to grow under ideal environmental conditions.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum number of organisms that an environment can sustainably support.

Malthusian Theory

A theory stating that population growth has an exponential capacity while resources increase linearly.

Environmental Resistance

The sum of all biotic and abiotic factors that limit population growth.

Density-Dependent Control

Factors that limit population growth more intensely as population density increases, such as competition.

Density-Independent Control

Factors limiting population growth regardless of population density, such as natural disasters.

Cyclic Variation

Population size fluctuations characterized by 'boom and bust' cycles, influenced by factors like predation and food availability.

Reproductive Strategies

Approaches organisms use to allocate energy towards reproduction, influencing the number and size of offspring.

r-strategists

Species that produce many small offspring with little to no parental care, typically found in unstable environments.

K-strategists

Species that produce few large offspring with high parental care, usually found in stable environments.

Survivorship Curve Type I

Describes species with low early mortality and high late mortality, typically associated with K-strategists.

Survivorship Curve Type II

Describes species with consistent mortality rates at all ages, indicative of intermediate reproductive strategies.

Survivorship Curve Type III

Describes species with high early mortality rates and lower mortality in later life stages, typically associated with r-strategists.