Module 15: generalist,specialist, r-selected & k-selected species, and carrying capacity

generalists

species with wider range of conditions

specialists

species that evolve based on limited conditions when isolated

difference between generalists and specialists?

generalists thrive in changing conditions and in contrast, specialists thrive in consistent conditions

population growth rate

number of species an individual produces minus individual and offsprings death during a period of time

population growth rate is also known as?

intrinsic growth rate

biotic potential

with unlimited resources, a population can reach maximum potential for growth

k-selected species

population increase till it reaches the environment’s carrying capacity

low intrinsic growth rate?

k-selected species

k-selected species traits?

large organisms, produce fewer, provide parental care

carrying capacity

limit number of individuals that can be supported by a habitat

r-selected species

reproduce in large numbers surpassing environment’s carrying capacity

high intrinsic growth?

r-selected species

r-selected species traits?

small organisms, many offspring, and little parental care

overshoot

population is larger then carrying capacity

die-off

rapid decline in population due to death

die-off is also known as?

die-back

survivorship curve

graph that represent species’s survival as a function of age

how many types of survivorship curve?

three types

type 1

pattern of high survival as large numbers die approaching death

type 2

constant decline in survivorship throughout life span

type 3

pattern of low survivorship