8.2 Community Ecology - Population Growth Dynamics

Vocabulary and equations flashcards covering population growth dynamics, exponential growth, logistic growth, carrying capacity, and density factors from Section 8.2 Community Ecology.

Population

Individual organisms that interact with one another and with the environment in complex ways.

Exponential Growth

Population growth resulting from reproduction without constraints, represented equationally by $\frac{dN}{dt} = r_{\max}N$.

Logistic Growth

A population growth model that generally ensues as limits to growth due to density-dependent and density-independent factors are imposed, represented by $\frac{dN}{dt} = r_{\max}N\left(\frac{K - N}{K}\right)$.

Carrying Capacity ($K$)

The maximum population size ($K$) that can be sustained by resource availability in the environment.

Population Density

The concentration of individuals in a population, which affects and is determined by resource availability in the environment.

Density-Dependent Factors

Limiting factors on population growth whose effects vary depending on population density as resource availability is exceeded.

Density-Independent Factors

Limiting factors on population growth that affect populations regardless of their density.

Population Growth Equation

The equation $\frac{dN}{dt} = B - D$, where $\frac{dN}{dt}$ is the growth rate, $B$ is the birth rate, $D$ is the death rate, and $dt$ is change in time.

Maximum Per Capita Growth Rate ($r_{\max}$)

The maximum per capita growth rate of a population, represented as $r_{\max}$ in exponential and logistic growth models.