Population Ecology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts in population ecology, providing definitions and explanations essential for understanding the dynamics of populations and their interactions with the environment.

Population Ecology

The study of how populations of organisms change over time and space, and the factors that influence these changes.

Density-dependent factors

Biotic factors that have a greater effect as population density increases, such as food availability or disease.

Density-independent factors

Abiotic factors that affect population size regardless of population density, such as natural disasters.

Carrying capacity (K)

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.

Exponential growth

A rapid increase in population size when resources are abundant and environmental resistance is minimal.

Logistic growth

Population growth that levels off as the population reaches its carrying capacity.

r-strategists

Species that reproduce quickly, have many offspring, and provide little parental care, often found in unstable environments.

K-strategists

Species that reproduce slowly, have few offspring, and provide significant parental care, typically in stable environments.

Survivorship curve

A graph showing the number of individuals surviving at each age for a given species.

Metapopulation

A group of spatially separated populations of the same species that interact through migration.

Immigration

The process of individuals entering a population from other populations.

Emigration

The process of individuals leaving a population to live in another population.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, used to predict future population trends.

Life history strategies

The way organisms allocate resources to growth, reproduction, and survival.

Gene flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can increase genetic diversity.

Invasive species

Non-native species that, when introduced to a new environment, can disrupt local ecosystems.

Endemic species

Species that are native to and restricted to a specific geographical area.

Cosmopolitan species

Species that are found in many different geographic locations.

Demographic transition

The transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops.

Population regulation

Factors that limit the growth of a population, affecting its size and sustainability.