LO5 population ecology part 1

define population, metapopulation, distribution, and geographic range

population: group of individuals of the same species in a given region

metapopulation: collection of local subpopulations linked through dispersal or other means of genetic exchange

distribution: the area over which it occurs

geographic range: encompasses all of the individuals of a species

explain how barriers reduce or prevent the movement of individuals and colonization of new areas and provide examples

barriers (e.g. mountains, bodies of water, unsuitable habitats) prevent an individual to move and colonize to a new area.

describe the three main types of distribution patterns found in populations and provide examples

random (spaced unpredictably) example is flower field

uniform (evenly spaced) example is birds in flock

clumped (grouped in patches) example is school of fish

contrast absolute and relative density

absolute density: complete count of individuals/area (25 gopher tortoises/hectare)

relative density: proportion of species relative to others in a community (25% sunflowers/m2)

describe and compare sampling methods used to calculate population density

quadrat sampling: sample area of a given shape

transects: sample along a line or path (useful for surveying large area, areas with gradients, areas with heterogeneity)

mark-recapture method (useful for mobile organisms, also allow estimate of birth and death rates)

lincoln-peterson method

identify characteristics of organisms that make them easier or harder to accurately sample

size of organism and mobility of organism

calculate population density using the Lincoln-Peterson equation and interpret the results

yes