Chapter 5 Flashcards
Population
A group of individuals of the same species living in an area at the same time
Carrying capacity
The maximum population size of a species that can be supported in a given environment
Represented as K
Population dynamic
The way in which population of species change in size and structure over - time
Abundance
The number of organisms of a particular species in a population
r-selection
A type of population growth of opportunistic species quickly colonize an unstable ecosystem
k-seleciton
Population growth that is initially slow in growth but long term is sustainable
r-selected species
A fast-growing and reproducing species, often the first to take up unused resources and living spaces
K-selected species
A slow-growing, long-lived species. typical of those in the long-established biological community.
Population density
The number of individuals of the same species living in the same habitat at a particular time
Birth rate
Number of births in a population over a given time
Death rate
The number of deaths in a population over a given time
Distribution
The places in an ecosystem where individuals of species are found
Random distribution
Type of distribution in which organisms are spaced irregularly.
uniform distribution
Type of distribution in which organisms are evenly spread
Clumped distribution
individuals in a population are grouped together where biotic and/or abiotic factors are favourable
Quadrat
A square, rectangle or circular frame used to mark out an are in which organisms are to be sampled.
Transect
A method used in population sampling where a line is drawn through a community to determine the distribution of species
Species distribution modelling
Computerized modeling method is used to predict future needs and resource management.
Density
The number of individuals in a given area
Density dependant factors
The factors whose effects on the population vary depending on the density of the population
Density independent factors
The factors that affect all individuals regardless of the population size.
Phases of population growth curve
Lag phase - slow growth phase
Exponential growth phase - Rapid increase in population size
Transitional phase - Population growth decelerates
Plateau - Overal birth rate equals the death rate
