populations Flashcards
population ?
- group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time
- that can interbreed to make fertile offspring
habitat ?
- part of an ecosystem in which particular organisms live
community ?
- all the populations of different species in the same area at the same time
ecosystem ?
- a community and the non- living components of an environment
- biotic and abiotic factors
niche ?
- an organisms role within an ecosystem
- including its position in the food web and habitat
what is each species niche governed by ?
- adaptation to both abiotic and biotic conditions
carrying capacity ?
the maximum population size an ecosystem can support
what will happen if the carrying capacity is exceeded ?
- wont be enough resources for all the population
- organisms will begin to die
abiotic factors ?
- non-living conditions of an ecosystem
- that affect survival of individuals
biotic factors ?
- living conditions of an ecosystem
- the impact of interactions between organisms
what happens to population sizes ?
- population sizes vary
what factors affect population sizes ?
- abiotic factors
- biotic factors
- interspecific competition
- intraspecific competition
examples of abiotic factors ?
- temp
- oxygen conc
- co2 conc
- light intensity
- pH
- soil conditions
How do plants deal with abiotic factors ?
animals and plants are adapted to the abiotic factors within their ecosystem
how do these adaptations develop ?
- through the process of natural selection over many generations
the less harsh abiotic factors ?
- plenty of water and light
- plenty of the conditions you need
the less harsh the abiotic factors
what happens to the species and population sizes ?
the less harsh the abiotic factors
the larger the range of species
and the larger the population sizes
what are examples of biotic factors ?
- interspecific competition
- intraspecific competition
- predation
what can all the examples of biotic factors affect ?
- population sizes
what is interspecific competition ?
- when members of different species are in competition for the same resource that is limited in supply
- the individual better adapted to the environment is more likely to succeed in the competition
what is meant by intraspecific competition ?
- when members of the same species are in competition for resources and a mate
what does competition for a mate link to ?
- courtship rituals
what will happen to the individuals that are fitter in intraspecific competition ?
- they will have more energy to peform a more impressive courtship ritual
- or may have fur or feathers in better condition to attract a mate
explain the patterns on a predator prey graph ?
- size of the predator and prey population both fluctuate
- prey populations will always peak at a higher point than the predators
- size of population will always change in the prey and then predators (lag time)
