AP Bio - Populations test

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area or volume.

Immigration

The movement of individuals into a population from another location.

Emigration

The movement of individuals out of a population to another location.

Exponential Growth

A rapid increase in population size when resources are unlimited, shown as a J-shaped curve on a graph.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals in a population that an environment can support over time.

Limiting Factors

Environmental conditions that restrict population growth, such as food, space, or predation.

What occurs when different species compete for the same limited resources?

Competition among species.

What is an example of a parasite?

A tick on a dog.

What is Taxis?

Directed movement toward or away from a stimulus (e.g., moth flying toward light).

What is Kinesis?

Random movement in response to stimulus intensity (e.g., pill bugs moving more in dry areas).

What is the difference between Innate and Learned behaviors?

Innate behaviors are inborn and automatic; learned behaviors are acquired through experience.

What are two types of limiting factors?

Density-dependent and density-independent.

How does logistic growth differ from exponential growth?

Exponential growth is rapid and unrestricted (J-curve), while logistic growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity (S-curve).

What happens if carrying capacity is exceeded?

Resources become limited, leading to die-offs or population decline.

What are environmental factors influencing carrying capacity?

Availability of food, water, shelter, space, and presence of predators or diseases.

Is surpassing carrying capacity negative?

Yes, it can lead to overuse of resources, starvation, and population crashes, impacting the ecosystem.

What is a Keystone Species?

A species with a major impact on its ecosystem’s structure.

What are the advantages of animal groupings?

Protection from predators, cooperative hunting, warmth.

What are the disadvantages of animal groupings?

Disease spread and increased competition for resources.

What is the difference between Intraspecific and Interspecific competition?

Intraspecific competition occurs within the same species; interspecific competition occurs between different species.

What are the Population Sampling Methods?

Random, plot (quadrant), and catch-and-release (mark-recapture).

What is the difference between Invasive Species and GMOs?

Invasive species are non-native and outcompete natives; GMOs are genetically modified for specific traits.

What are examples of Mutualism in Symbiosis?

Bees and flowers – both benefit.

What are examples of Commensalism in Symbiosis?

Barnacles on whales – barnacles benefit, whales unaffected.

What are examples of Parasitism in Symbiosis?

Tapeworm in humans – tapeworm benefits, human harmed.

How do Predator/Prey Dynamics work?

As prey increases, predators increase, and as predators overhunt, prey decline, followed by predator decline.

What is Biomass in Ecosystems?

The total mass of living organisms in a given area; indicates available energy at each trophic level.

How has human population growth been characterized?

Exponential, due to advanced medicine, agriculture, and technology allowing higher survival and reproduction rates.