Ecology - Unit 1 (Population) Flashcards
Limiting Factor
A limiting factor is an abiotic or biotic factor that restricts the number of individuals in a population.
abiotic ex: temp, water, ph
biotic ex: competition, predation, disease
Carrying Capacity
The maximum number of individuals that a population can sustain, given their limiting factors.
What is an overshoot in carrying capacity?
A population is in overshoot when it exceeds available carrying capacity.
Exponential Growth
Exponential Growth occurs when organisms reproduce at a CONSTANT rate regardless of their population size.
line on graph constantly incereases
Logistic Growth
Shows that a population is FINITE because of environmental resources known as limiting factors in a population
What happens due to an overshoot?
- many individuals die
- reduction in population happens
J-Shaped Curve
A curve that describes exponential growth.
S-shaped curve
A curve that describes logistic growth.
K-strategist
- SLOW reproductive rate
- NURTURE (care for) their young
- Population FLUCTUATES (changes frequently)
around K (carrying capacity)
R-strategist
- RAPID reproduction
- REALLY SHORT life span
- Have a REALLY HIGH r (population growth rate)
Type I Curve (K-strategists)
High mortality at an old age
Examples: Humans, Mammals
Type II Curve (K-strategists)
Constant birth and death rate
Examples: Birds
Type III (r-strategists)
High mortality (death) at a young age
Examples: Mussels, Plants,
