Population Ecology Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to population ecology, facilitating understanding and review for an exam.

Natality

The natural ability of a population to increase, measured as the birth rate.

Mortality

The number of deaths in a population, typically expressed as a rate per 1000 individuals per year.

Immigration

The movement of individuals into a population from another area.

Emigration

The movement of individuals out of a population to another area.

J-shaped curve

A representation of exponential population growth where the population size increases rapidly, typically under ideal conditions.

S-shaped curve

A representation of logistic population growth where the population stabilizes at carrying capacity after a period of exponential growth.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that affect population size in relation to the population's density, such as competition and disease.

Density-independent factors

Factors that affect population size regardless of the population's density, such as natural disasters.

Interspecific competition

Competition between different species for the same resources.

Intraspecific competition

Competition among individuals of the same species for limited resources.

Resource partitioning

The division of resources among species to reduce competition.

Ecological niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all its interactions with the biotic and abiotic factors.

Predator-prey relationship

The interactions between predators and their prey, which can affect the population dynamics of both groups.

Ecological succession

The progressive change in community structure over time, typically following a disturbance.

Primary succession

Succession that occurs in essentially lifeless areas where soil cannot sustain life.

Secondary succession

Succession that occurs in areas where a community previously existed but was disturbed.

Cooperative interactions

Interactions that enhance the survival and reproduction opportunities for organisms within a population.

Quadrat sampling

A method of estimating population size by counting the number of individuals in a set square area.

Mark-recapture method

A technique used to estimate the size of animal populations by capturing, marking, and releasing individuals. Subsequent captures provide information on the population size.

Survivorship curves

Graphs that represent the number of individuals surviving at each age for a given species or group.

Population parameters

Factors that influence population size, including birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.