Population Dynamics

What is a population in biological terms?

A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.

What does population dynamics describe?

Population dynamics describes the fluctuations in population size due to interactions between different species.

What is dispersal in ecology?

Dispersal is the movement of individuals or gametes from their place of origin.

What are abiotic factors?

Abiotic factors are non-living components that can limit dispersal, such as temperature, water, and sunlight.

What are biotic factors?

Biotic factors are living components that can limit dispersal, such as competition among species.

How is population density defined?

Population density is the number of individuals in a unit area.

What are the three patterns of population dispersion?

The three patterns of population dispersion are clumped, uniform, and random.

What might cause uniform dispersion in a population?

Uniform dispersion might be caused by territorial defense of space among individuals.

What factors explain dispersion patterns in populations?

Dispersion patterns can be explained by food availability, mating opportunities, and success.

What does a change in population size (delta N) account for?

Delta N accounts for the difference between births (B) and deaths (D) in a population.

What is the effect of immigration on population?

Immigration adds individuals to a population.

What is the effect of emigration on population?

Emigration removes individuals from a population.

What is a metapopulation?

A metapopulation is a group of local populations that can recolonize if one goes extinct.

What does the exponential growth model represent?

The exponential growth model determines how a population grows at a certain rate (rN) over time.

What is the intrinsic rate of increase?

The intrinsic rate of increase is a constant that multiplies the population size to determine growth.