Ecology Unit 3 Review and Key Concepts

Greenhouse effect

Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gases

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Growth rate

Rate at which a population increases.

Logistic growth

Population growth that levels off at carrying capacity.

Population

Group of individuals of the same species.

Random distribution

Individuals spread randomly in an area.

Range

Geographical area where a species can be found.

Solar radiation

Energy emitted by the sun.

Symbiosis

Interaction between two different organisms.

Albedo effect

Reflection of solar radiation by surfaces.

Birth rate

Number of live births per 1,000 individuals.

Carbon sink

Natural reservoir that stores carbon.

Carrying capacity

Maximum population size an environment can sustain.

Clumped distribution

Individuals grouped in patches or clusters.

Death rate

Number of deaths per 1,000 individuals.

Density

Number of individuals per unit area.

Density dependent limiting factor

Factors affecting population based on density.

Density independent limiting factor

Factors affecting population regardless of density.

Distribution

Arrangement of a species across an area.

Exponential growth

Population growth at a constant rate.