population ecology Flashcards
what is ecology
the study of interactions among organisms and their environment
what is population
all the individuals of a species that live together in an area
what are the 3 key features of population
- size
- density
- dispersion
what is size
number of individuals in an area, determined by BR and DR
what is density
measurement of population per unit. affected by immigration, density dependant factors ( disease) and density independent factors (temperature)
what is dispersion
spread of population which can be clustered, random and uniform
what is biotic potential
the natural reproductive potential of a species
what is environmental resistance
used to explain mortality rates controlled by environmental factors (natural hazards)
what is optimum population
ideal balance between population and resources, highest standard of living
what is over population
too many people in an area relative to available resources, reducing standard of living
what is under population
too few people to use the resources efficiently ( Australia)
what are the characteristics of over population
- unemployment
- outward migration
- insufficient food
- war, conflict
what are the characteristics of under population
- low unemployment
- inward migration
- good living conditions
- high level of technology
what is carrying capacity
the max population size that an area/ environment can sustain
what is ecological footprint
a measure of the demand placed by humans on the natural environment
