Lecture 14a- Population Structure

Flashcards covering key concepts from Lecture 12a on Population Structure, including definitions of populations, spatial and age structures, geographic ranges, endemic species, and native versus invasive species.

What is the ecological definition of a population?

All individuals of a species that live in a particular area and have the capability of interbreeding.

What are two key points regarding the genetic and organizational nature of a population?

A population has a gene pool and is often 'messy', meaning it can frequently be subdivided into subpopulations.

What major categories of questions are addressed at the population level in ecology?

Population distribution and range size; population size and density; and changes over time (for example, with human influence).

What does spatial structure refer to in the context of population structure?

The distributions, density, and spacing of individuals within their geographic range.

How is age structure defined in population ecology?

The proportion of individuals of each sex in each age class.

What four factors progressively determine the distribution of plants at finer geographical scales?

Climate, topography, soil chemistry, and soil texture.

What plant species, shown here, is used as an example to illustrate how environmental factors determine distribution across finer geographic scales?

Clematis fremonti

What does it mean for a species to be endemic?

It only occurs in a particular region and nowhere else.

According to the lecture, to what specific area is Clematis fremonti endemic?

Jefferson County, MO.

How is a native species defined?

A species that normally (historically) occurs in the region.

What is an introduced species?

A 'non-native' species occurring outside of its native range.

What defines an invasive species?

An introduced species that is spreading rapidly and negatively affecting the local ecosystem.