Chapter 5- Populations Flashcards
Population density
Number of individuals per unit area
Immigration
Movement of individuals into an area
Emigration
Movement of individuals out of an area
Exponential growth
Occurs when the individuals in a population reproduce at a constant rate
Logistic growth
When a population’s growth slows or stops following a period of exponential growth
Carrying capacity
The largest number of individuals that a given environment can support
Limiting factor
A factor that causes population growth to decrease
Density-dependent limiting factor
A limiting factor that depends on population size
Predator- prey relationship
Regulation of a population by predation
Density-independent limiting factor
Affects all populations in similar ways regardless of the population size
Demography
The scientific study of human populations
Demographic transition
A dramatic change in birth and death rates
Age-structure diagrams
Population profiles, or models demographers use to predict future growth
Natality
Birthrate
Increases population
Mortality
Deathrate
Decreases population
