Population Ecology Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts in population ecology and dynamics.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular area.

Population Ecology

The study of populations and the factors affecting their size and changes over time.

Density

The number of individuals per unit area.

Sampling Techniques

Methods used to count small areas and estimate total population size through averages.

Dispersion Patterns

Patterns of spacing among individuals within a population, including clumped, uniform, and random.

Type 1 Survivorship Curve

A survival pattern characterized by low death rates during early and middle life, with high death rates later in life.

Type 2 Survivorship Curve

A survival pattern where there is a constant death rate over the lifespan of the organism.

Type 3 Survivorship Curve

A survival pattern with high death rates early in life, but low death rates for those that survive.

Exponential Growth Model

A model representing a population living under ideal conditions leading to rapid population growth.

Logistic Growth Model

A growth model where the per capita rate of increase approaches zero as the population size nears its carrying capacity.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support.

K-selection

Selection for life history traits sensitive to population density, commonly seen in high-density populations.

Density-dependent Regulation

Factors that slow or stop growth by decreasing birth rates and increasing death rates as population density increases.

Density-independent Regulation

Factors that influence population size regardless of density, such as weather and natural disasters.

Life History

Traits that affect an organism's schedule of reproduction and survival.

Per Capita Rate of Increase

A measure of how quickly a population size changes, calculated by the difference between birth rate and death rate.