Exam Observations: Population Biology Flashcards
What is a Population?
Group of organisms, all of the same species, which interbreed and live in the same area
A population consists of individuals that can reproduce with one another in a specific location.
What controls population growth?
Biotic Potential and Limiting Factors
Biotic potential refers to the maximum number of offspring that can be produced with unlimited resources.
What is Biotic Potential?
Maximum # of offspring that can be produced with unlimited resources
It indicates the reproductive capacity of a species under ideal conditions.
Factors affecting biotic potential include:
- Birth potential
- Ability for babies to survive
- Yearly reproduction ability
- Length of reproductive life
Each factor plays a critical role in determining how many offspring can successfully reproduce.
What is a Limiting Factor?
Factors that prevent an organism from reaching its biotic potential
They can include environmental and biological constraints.
Examples of Limiting Factors include:
- Competition
- Predation
- Parasitism
- Disease
- Unusual weather
- Natural disasters
- Seasonal cycles
- Certain human activities
These factors can significantly influence population dynamics.
What is Carrying Capacity?
The largest population of a species that can be sustained in an ecosystem over time
It reflects the balance between resource availability and population needs.
What is the significance of the Moose and Wolf populations of Isle Royale?
Long-term tracking of predator-prey relationships affecting population dynamics
This case study illustrates the impact of predation on population growth over decades.
What is Exponential Growth in a population?
J-curve; occurs when a population starts out small and has no limitations on resources
This type of growth can lead to rapid increases in population size.
What is the S Growth Curve?
Key phases: Slow Growth, Rapid Growth, Steady State, Decline or Death phase
This curve illustrates how populations typically grow in real-world conditions.
Factors that increase/decrease the carrying capacity of a population include:
- Food
- Space
- Water
- Health
- Reproduction
Availability of these resources can significantly affect population sustainability.
True or False: Carrying capacity can change over time.
True
Changes in environmental conditions or resource availability can alter the carrying capacity.
Fill in the blank: The _______ represents the maximum number of individuals an environment can support.
Carrying Capacity
It is a crucial concept in ecology to understand population dynamics.
