Population Dynamics Quiz Flashcards
Exponential Growth
Populations grows without limit. Ex: human population.
Logistic Growth
Population grows quickly at first and then levels off. Ex: most natural populations (fish, rabbits, trees, etc.)
Carrying Capacity
The theoretical maximum population that a given environment could support.
What is a high population density determined by?
Birth and Immigration
What is a low population density determined by?
Death and Emigration
Competition
A relationship that exists between two or more organisms that are fighting for the same resource
Interspecific Competition
Where competition is occurring between different species
Intraspecific Competition
Where competition is occurring within the same species
Mutualism
Both organisms involved benefit. Helps both organisms survive.
Commensalism
One organism is benefited while the other is unaffected (neither benefited nor harmed).
Parasitism
One organism (parasite) benefits from the relationship, while the other organism (their host is harmed). However, it is crucial the parasite doesn’t kill the host, so that the parasite can survive and spread.
Predation
One animal kills and eats another for food
Predator
Organism hunting/killing another for food
Prey
Organism killed/consumed as food
Habitat
The actual area in the ecosystem where an organism lives, including all of its abiotic and biotic resources. Many organisms share a habitat.
Niche
All the things an organism needs and does within its habitat - It’s “job” in the ecosystem. Each organism has its own niche.
Is habitat a part of niche or… niche a part of habitat?
Habitat is a part of niche
Limiting Factor
Aspects of the environment that limit the size a population can reach
Density-Dependent Limiting Factors: Definition and Examples
Limiting factors that can be triggered by an increase in population size and thus crowding. They operate more strongly on large, dense populations than on smaller ones. Ex: Competition, Predation, Parasitism, Disease
Density-Independent Limiting Factors: Definition and Examples
Limiting factors that regulate population growth regardless of its size or density. Nearly all species in an ecosystem are affected equally by density-independent limiting factors. Ex: Weather Changes, Pollution, Natural Disasters
