population dynamics and growth;ecological principles Flashcards
what causes a species to become invasive
lack of predators
lack of disease
new niches to exploit
reduced competition from native species
who do scientists track population growth
demography
demography
the study of population abundance in varying age categories
depending on the species will depend on how population size are estimated
scientific techniques for accumulating data
quadrats
mark and recapture
life tables
survivorship curves
quadrats
can be set up i the field to determine the absolute number of individuals in an area
mark and recapture
can assist with animals that are very mobile
life tables
examine abundance in various age classes
variables can be calculated based on observed number of individuals in each class
types of growth
exponential and logistic
exponential
unrestricted growth
change in the number/change in time = birth rate - Death rate
dN/dT=rN
logistic growth
restricted growth
dN/dT=rmaxdN/dT=rmaxN (K-N)/K
when close to carrying capacity this is zero, which means population growth is very minimal or zero
population density
competition for resources would eventually limit growth; also build-up of waste would become fatal
carrying capacity
the optimal size of a population that an environment can maintain
ecological characteristics that are density-dependent
food
water
shelter
nesting space
mates
build up of waste products
other factors that might control populations: density independent factors
weather
natural disasters
pollution
characteristics of K selected species
mature late
greater longevity
increased parental care
increased competition
fewer offspring
larger offspring