Population Dynamics And Hardy Weinberg Flashcards
Population
Refers to all members of a particular species living in the same area
Population Ecology
Refers to the study of factors affecting the size and distribution of individuals within a population
Population Density
Is a measure of the number of individuals living in a given area or volume
Density Equation
D=N/A where
D= density
N=the population
A= the area or volume measured
Low density
Individuals are well spaced apart, highly territorial, solitary mammal species
High density
Individuals are crowded together, there are many individuals close together, there is a division of labour and they depend on one another (ant colony)
Measuring density
Estimates are made, quadrants are set up in the larger area. The number of individuals in each quadrant are counted and the results are extrapolated to the larger area
Population Dispersion
Dispersion refers to the patterns of spacing between individuals in a species
Uniform Dispersion
Distribution may result from competition for resources. Individuals are evenly spaced out so that they have control over the resources in their immediate area. Animals are territorial and do not want to share resources, resources are relatively abundant.
Clumped dispersion
Caused by patches of resources in specific areas or by behavioural interactions between memembers of a species. Not territorial, resources are not abundant
Random Distribution
An unpredictable, patternless dispersion. Caused by the lack of a strong attraction or repulsion between members of a species, resources are abundant
Positive population growth
Caused by births and immigration
Negative population growth
Caused by deaths and emigration
Population growth formula
change in N= (#births+#immigrants)-(#deaths+emigrants)
Population Growth Rate
How fast a population is growing, can be positive or negative.
Gr= change in N/ change in t
N: change in population
t: change in time
Per Capita Growth
Cgr: change in N/N
Change in the population/the initial population
This measures the rate of growth in a population in comparison to the size of the population
Density Dependent Factors
These are factors that affect the growth of a population.
Ex: if there is a high density population there will be less food available and greater chance of disease
Tend to be biotic factors (living)
Density independent Factors
Factors affecting a population that are not related to the density of that population.
Ex: bad weather or natural disaster will affect both dense populations and populations that are not dense
Factors tend to be abiotic (not living)
Biotic potential (intrinsic growth)
Rate at which a population will naturally increase under ideal conditions.
Factors affecting biotic potential
Number of offspring per reproductive cycle, number of offspring that live to reproduce, age of sexual maturity, number of times they reproduce in their life, and the Average life span
Carry Capacity (K)
The maximum number of individuals that can be sustained in a particular environment. Reflection of the amount of available food, the existence of predators
Affected by both density dependent and density independent factors
Can change from year to year
Environmental resistance
Environmental factors that resist the growth of a population. Prevents a population from growing at its biotic potential and determines the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.
Consists of predators and disease
Exponential Growth
Exponential growth curve or J curve. G=rN (r=biotic potential) (N=the population)
population increases so does the rate of growth unstable
Population is regulated by density independent (abiotic) factors, involves periods of rapid increase followed by periods of rapid decline
Logistic Growth
More realistic model as a population cannot continue to increase at an exponential rate forever. S shaped curve, controlled by density dependent factors.
size of population increases rate of reproduction decreases
When the population reaches carrying capacity, population growth stops