Populations and Resources Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to populations and resources, focusing on the definitions and relationships within ecosystems.

Biotic components

Any living factor in an ecosystem.

Abiotic components

Any non-living factor in an ecosystem.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species.

Ecosystem

The interaction of abiotic and biotic components.

Hydrosphere

The water component of the Earth, example: rivers and oceans.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, example: clouds, precipitation.

Lithosphere/Geo

The solid part of the Earth, example: soil and rock.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, including all living factors.

Basic needs of living organisms

Food, water, shelter, and air.

Interdependent relationship

The interaction of organisms with other organisms and abiotic factors.

Inter-specific relationship

Interactions between different species.

Intra-specific relationship

Interactions between the same species.

Disribution

How individuals are arranged in an area.

Limiting factor

Anything that can stop or slow down population size from growing.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum population size an ecosystem can support.

Density

The average number of individuals per unit of area.

Carrying capacity importance

It refers to the natural amount of resources in an ecosystem that supports the natural number of species, ensuring balance.

Cooperation

Interaction where the same or different species cooperate to survive.

Competition

Interaction where the same or different species compete to survive.

Predator/prey relationship

This relationship ensures species stay within carrying capacity and remains balanced.

Trophic cascade

An indirect interaction between a predator and prey that impacts other factors in an ecosystem.

Positive impact of returning wolves to Yellowstone Park

The presence of wolves helped balance the ecosystem by controlling deer population and promoting vegetation growth.