Chapter 5 Biology vocab

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area.

Population Distribution

Describes the way individuals are spaced out across their range.

Age Structure

The number of males and females of each age in a population.

Immigration

Movement of individuals into an area occupied by an existing population.

Emigration

Movement of individuals out of an area.

Exponential Growth

Growth pattern in which the individuals in a population reproduce at a constant rate.

Logistic Growth

Growth pattern in which a population’s growth slows then stops following a period of exponential growth.

Carrying Capacity

Largest number of individuals of a particular species that a particular environment can support.

Limiting Factor

Factor that causes population growth to decrease.

Density-Dependent Limiting Factor

Limiting factor that depends on population density.

Density-Independent Limiting Factor

Limiting factor that affects all populations in similar ways, regardless of population density.

Demography

Scientific study of human populations.

Demographic Transition

Change in a population from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.