Chapter 4.1 Characteristics Of Populations Flashcards
What is a population?
A group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area
What is population density?
Number of individuals per unit area
What pattern of growth occurs when individuals of population produce at a constant rate?
Exponential (j-shaped curve)
What pattern of growth occurs as resources become less available, and the population growth rate slows or stops?
Logistic (s-shaped)
What are the labels on the x and y axis on the growth curve?
X axis is time
Y axis is number of a given organism
What is carrying capacity?
The number of organisms of one species that can be supported in an environment
Factors related to the density of population are called what?
Density-dependent limiting factors
Factors that affects population no matter what are called what?
Density-independent limiting factors
What are three density-dependent factors?
Competition-organisms compete for food, water, space, sunlight and essentials
Predation-population control caused by predator-prey relationship
Parasitism and disease-robs organisms of nourishment
What are four density-independent factors?
Unusual weather - drought
Seasonal cycles
Natural disasters-volcanic eruptions, fires, floods
Human activities-clear-cutting forests, damming rivers
If a population has abundant space and food, and is protected from predators and disease, what growth pattern will occur?
Exponential
Can populations grow and never stop growing?
No, they are limited by carryover ng capacity, density-dependent factors, and density-independent factors
