Population Ecology

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in population ecology, focusing on models of growth, reproductive strategies, and the factors that regulate populations.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size that the environment can support.

Logistic Growth Model

A model describing population growth that incorporates carrying capacity, showing slow growth as it nears K.

Exponential Growth

A model of population growth characterized by a constant per capita growth rate and unlimited resources.

Per Capita Growth Rate

The rate of population growth per individual in the population.

Sigmoid Curve

The S-shaped curve produced by the logistic model showing population growth over time.

Intrinsic Rate of Increase (r)

The maximum potential growth rate of a population in ideal conditions.

Semelparity

A reproductive strategy where an organism reproduces once and then dies.

Iteroparity

A reproductive strategy where an organism reproduces multiple times throughout its life.

Trade-offs in Life History

The balance between investment in growth, maintenance, and reproduction due to finite resources.

K-selection

Selection for life history traits that are advantageous at high population densities.

r-selection

Selection for life history traits that maximize reproductive success at low population density.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that affect population growth based on the population's density, such as competition and disease.

Density-independent factors

Factors that affect population growth regardless of population density, such as natural disasters.