Chapter 40: Population Growth Models

Flashcards covering key concepts in population growth models, including definitions and characteristics of growth types and species.

Exponential Growth

Population growth that occurs under unlimited resources, resulting in a J-curve shape.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that occurs under limited resources, resulting in an S-curve shape.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

K-selected Species

Species that have low offspring mortality, produce few offspring, and have high parental investment.

R-selected Species

Species that have high intrinsic growth rates, produce many offspring, and have little parental investment.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that affect population growth based on the population size, such as competition for resources.

Intrinsic Growth Rate (r)

The rate of population growth per capita, accounting for births and deaths.

J-curve

The graphical representation of exponential growth.

S-curve

The graphical representation of logistic growth.

dN/dt

The change in population size (N) over time (t), important for calculating growth rates.