Evolution Flashcards
What is an exotic (or introduced) species?
A species that is non-naturally occurring and introduced by humans
Exotic species can lead to species depletion due to lack of natural predators or diseases.
What is one of the main causes of species depletion?
Human introduction of non-naturally occurring species
This process can disrupt local ecosystems.
What is carrying capacity?
The maximum number of individuals of a species that can exist at one time in an ecosystem
Example: A population has a carrying capacity of 200.
What does environmental resistance refer to?
Factors that limit the growth of a population
Includes decreasing oxygen supply, low food supply, disease, and predators.
What are limits of tolerance?
The range of an abiotic factor that an organism can survive
Survival is impacted if conditions fall above or below this range.
What are density-independent factors?
Factors that affect the population regardless of density
Examples include fires and floods.
What are density-dependent factors?
Factors that affect the population because of its density
Examples include food supply, water quality, and disease.
What is one method for determining population size?
Counting every individual
This method is accurate but can be time-consuming and expensive.
What is a sampling method?
Counting small portions and taking an average to estimate population size
This method is less expensive and time-consuming.
What is a long, rectangular area used for in population sampling?
It is used to sample organisms in large areas or moving organisms
This method helps in estimating populations over a wide area.
What is the significance of space in relation to carrying capacity?
Space limits the carrying capacity of an ecosystem
Limited space can prevent populations from reaching their maximum capacity.
What is exponential growth in population dynamics?
A rapid increase in population size when resources are abundant
This growth phase can lead to overshoot of carrying capacity.
What is a lag phase in population growth?
The initial period where population growth is slow before accelerating
This phase occurs as the population adjusts to its environment.
What is logistic growth in population dynamics?
Population growth that levels off as it approaches carrying capacity
This type of growth is characterized by an S-shaped curve.
What is the equilibrium phase in population dynamics?
The stage where the population size stabilizes at carrying capacity
During this phase, birth and death rates are balanced.
What is the Littoral Zone?
A region within an ecosystem where organisms are found along the shorelines of water bodies.
The Littoral Zone is often characterized by diverse habitats and niches for various species.
What are biotic limiting factors?
Factors that limit biodiversity and population size, such as:
* Competition
* Predation
* Disease
* Food availability
These factors can significantly influence the survival and reproduction of species.
What is biotic potential?
The maximum number of offspring a species can produce under unlimited resources.
This concept is crucial for understanding population growth dynamics.
List the four factors that determine biotic potential.
- Birth potential
- Capacity for survival
- Breeding frequency
- Length of reproductive life
Each of these factors plays a role in how a population can grow under ideal conditions.
What are limiting factors?
Conditions that prevent a population from reaching its biotic potential.
These factors can be biotic or abiotic and can significantly affect population dynamics.
Name factors that cause population increase.
- Favorable abiotic conditions
- Sufficient food
- Few diseases
- Ability to compete for resources
These factors create an environment conducive to growth and reproduction.
Name factors that cause population decrease.
- Unfavorable abiotic conditions
- Insufficient food
- High predation
- Many parasites/diseases
- Inability to compete for resources
These factors can lead to a decline in population size.
What is intra-species competition?
Competition among members of the same species for resources.
This type of competition can lead to natural selection and affect population dynamics.
What is interspecies competition?
Competition between members of different species.
This type of competition can impact biodiversity and community structure.
What is the role of predator-prey relationships in population dynamics?
They can regulate population sizes, as seen in the relationship between wolves and moose.
These interactions are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
What is parasitism?
A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host).
The host may be harmed but not always permanently.
