Unit 3 Populations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to populations, including species interactions, population dynamics, and ecological principles.

Range of Tolerance

The limits within which a species can survive, given its biotic and abiotic conditions.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources in which a species lives and thrives.

Niche Generalist

A species that can live in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Niche Specialist

A species that requires specific habitat conditions, making it vulnerable to extinction.

K-selected Species

Species with a low intrinsic growth rate, increasing slowly until reaching carrying capacity.

r-selected Species

Species with a high intrinsic growth rate, often experiencing overshoots and die-offs.

Carrying Capacity (k)

The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustain without degrading resources.

Logistic Growth Model

Describes populations whose growth slows as they approach carrying capacity, forming an S-shaped curve.

Exponential Growth Model

Describes ideal conditions for maximum potential growth, often visualized as a J-shaped curve.

Density-dependent Factors

Factors whose effects on individuals vary with population density, such as competition for resources.

Density-independent Factors

Factors that affect individuals regardless of population size, such as natural disasters.

Population Ecology

The study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease.

Limiting Resource

A resource that is in short supply and critical for the survival of a population.

Survivorship Curves

Graphs showing the number of survivors of a species over time, indicating life history strategies.

Biotic Potential

The maximum reproductive rate of a population under ideal environmental conditions.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area, influencing mating chances and competition.

Population Age Structure

The distribution of individuals across various age categories, helping to predict future growth.