L7 - population ecology Part 1

Question 1

what is population ecology

Answer 1

The study of population and their interactions with their environment

Question 2

define population

Answer 2

all of the individuals of a given species in a given place at a given time.

Question 3

what is does r represent in an exponential population model equation?

Answer 3

the Instantaneous rate of increase AKA the slope

Question 4

what is the equation for exponential population growth

Answer 4

Nt = N0e^rt

Question 5

what are three assumptions for exponential growth?

Answer 5

• system is closed, no immigration or emigration
• no population structure (differences in size and age)
• spatial area remains constant

Question 6

Why do we care about r value?

Answer 6

1)population recovery in endangerd species
2) productivity in commercially harvested species
3) r is also used as a measure of species fitness and is linked to gene flow.

Question 7

what is a Logistic growth model?

Answer 7

population growth when the environment is limiting, includes K

Question 8

what does K represent in logistical growth model? what does it mean?

Answer 8

Carrying Capacity
- is the maximum population that can be supported by an environment

Question 9

what os the logistical growth model equation?

Answer 9

dn/dt = rN (K-N)/K