Intro to Population Ecology

Question 1

Define population

Answer 1

Any group of organisms that we can define

Question 2

What is the maximum sustainable yield

Answer 2

The amount of a species we can take without causing extinction

Question 3

What is R0

Answer 3

How many new infections will occur per infected person

Question 4

What happens if R0

Answer 4

The disease is effectively eradicated

Question 5

What do models allow us to do?

Answer 5

1. Explore consequences of assumptions
2. Build better assumptions
3. Express hypotheses precisely

Question 6

What are the 2 types of model?

Answer 6

1. Mechanistic - aim to explain processes

2. Empirical - show relationships

Question 7

How do we calculate the next population size?

Answer 7

Nt+1 = Nt + (Bt - Dt + It - Et)

Question 8

How do we calculate exponential growth?

When do we get exponential growth (from this equation)?

Answer 8

dN/dt = rN
r = intrinsic rate of increase
dN = change in the number of individuals
dt = change in time
N = number of individuals in the population

When r>1

Question 9

What is the difference between limiting factors and regulating factors?

Answer 9

Limiting factors limit population growth whereas regulating factors bring population back to equilibrium (K)

Question 10

What is K?

Answer 10

The carrying capacity of a population - the equilibrium population size