Emerging Diseases and Population Ecology

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on emerging diseases and population ecology.

Emerging Disease

A disease that is new to a particular population.

Epidemic

A rapid spread or growth of disease in a population.

Population Density

The number of individuals in a given area, influencing disease spread.

Density-dependent Factors

Mortality risks related to population density, such as contagious diseases.

Density-independent Factors

Mortality risks unrelated to population density, such as natural disasters.

Birth Rate (b)

The number of individuals born per individual per unit time.

Death Rate (d)

The number of individuals that die per individual per unit time.

Population Growth Rate (r)

The difference between the birth rate and the death rate.

Growth Increment (G)

The number of individuals added to or lost from a population in one unit of time.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum number of individuals of any species that can be indefinitely supported in a given area.

Logistic Growth

A model of population growth that starts exponentially but slows as the population approaches the carrying capacity.

Innate Immunity

The defense system with which you are born, protecting against all antigens.

Adaptive Immunity

A specialized immune response that remembers pathogens for quicker responses in the future.

Antigen

A substance that provokes an immune response, often leading to the production of antibodies.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by plasma cells that bind to specific antigens to help eliminate them.

Vaccines

Substances that contain antigens and provoke an immune response to provide immunity against diseases.