Population dynamics Flashcards
Define population
a set of organisms from the same biological species in a given area
Define population dynamics
Changes in the number or density of individuals that make up the population
Define population density
Measurement of population size per unit area
What can estimating the size of many species populations be used to assess?
It can be used to assess the health status of ecosystems
List four methods of measuring population size
1) Complete census
2) Incomplete census
3) Indirect count
4) Mark-recapture technique
Population density ________ predictably with species __________
Population density DECLINES predictably with species BODY MASS
What is a source population?
A population where the number of births are greater than deaths and so export individuals (emigration
What is a sink population?
A population where the number of births are less than deaths so numbers are maintained only by importing individuals (immigration)
Define a metapopulation
A collection of subpopulations linked via dispersal
Explain population regulation and carrying capacity
Populations in closed systems will increase until it reaches an equilibrium point (K, carrying capacity) at which birth rate = death rate
List four density dependent effects
1) Intraspecific competition for resources
2) Disease
3) Predation
4) Toxic wastes
What is a density independent factor?
A factor that affects the same proportion of the population no matter what the size (they do not regulate)
Name two density independent factors
1) Stochastic events
2) Environmental temperature
Physiological and biological rates increase exponentially with what?
Temperature
List qualities of K species
Stable environments
Live close to the carrying capacity
Slow growth
Small number of large progeny
