Chapter 44 Population Ecology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to Population Ecology, providing a comprehensive review for exam preparation.

Ecology

The study of interactions of organisms among all organisms and their physical environment.

Habitat

Place where an organism lives.

Population

All the individuals of a species within a particular space at a particular time.

Species

All the populations of similar organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing viable offspring.

Community

All populations of multiple species interacting at a locale.

Ecosystem

Community interacting with the environment.

Biosphere

The zones of the Earth's soil, water, and air where organisms are found.

Demography

The statistical study of a population.

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area.

Limiting Factors

Environmental aspects that determine where an organism lives and how large their population can become.

Clumped Distribution

A pattern of distribution where individuals are aggregated in patches.

Random Distribution

A pattern of distribution where individuals are spaced in an unpredictable manner.

Uniform Distribution

A pattern of distribution where individuals are evenly spaced.

Biotic Potential

The maximum rate of natural increase for a population, determined by reproduction factors.

Survivorship Curve

A plot of the number of organisms surviving at each age.

Type I Survivorship Curve

Characteristic of populations where most individuals survive to the end of the lifespan.

Type II Survivorship Curve

Death rate is constant over time; unaffected by age.

Type III Survivorship Curve

Characteristic of populations where most individuals die young.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a given species that the community can support.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that increase in intensity as population density increases.

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that are not influenced by population density.