3.1-3.5 APES Notes

Generalists

Species with a wide ecological niche, allowing for greater adaptability and less vulnerability to extinction.

Specialists

Species with a narrow ecological niche, having specific requirements and being more vulnerable to extinction.

Ecological Tolerance

The range of environmental conditions under which a species can survive; specialists have a restricted range, while generalists have a broader range.

K-Selected Species

Species that produce few offspring with high parental care, longer lifespans, and slower population growth.

r-Selected Species

Species that produce many offspring with little to no parental care, maturing quickly and having rapid population growth.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can support based on available resources.

Population Size (N)

The total number of individuals in a specific area at a given time.

Population Density

The number of individuals per area, affecting competition and disease spread.

Population Distribution

The spatial arrangement of individuals in a population (random, uniform, clumped).

Sex Ratio

The balance of males to females in a population, influencing breeding success.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors like resource competition and disease that influence populations primarily when they reach a certain size.

Density-Independent Factors

Natural disasters that affect populations regardless of their size.

Predator-Prey Relationships

The dynamic interactions between predator and prey populations, exemplified by hare and lynx populations.

Survivorship Curves

Graphs illustrating population survival rates over time, classified into Type I, Type II, and Type III.

Type I Survivorship Curve

High survivorship in early and middle life, with a steady decline in old age (e.g., humans).

Type II Survivorship Curve

Constant mortality risk throughout life (e.g., birds).

Type III Survivorship Curve

High mortality in early life, with improved survival for those reaching adulthood (e.g., fish and plants).

Biotic Potential (r)

The maximum growth an organism can achieve without limiting factors, often leading to exponential growth.

Logistic Growth Model

A model describing populations that grow rapidly and then slow as they approach carrying capacity, resulting in an S-shaped curve.