Unit 5 - Population Ecology Flashcards
Population size (N)
The number of individuals of the same species living within a specific geographical area
Population Density (Dp)
The number of individuals per unit of volume or area
Transect
A long, relatively narrow rectangular area or line used for sampling a population
Quadrat
An area of the specific size used for sampling a population; often used to sample immobile organisms or those that move very little
Mark-Recapture
A method in which animals are captured, marked with a tag, collar, or band, released, then recaptured at a later time to determine an estimate of population size
Distribution Pattern
The pattern in which a population is distributed or spread in an area; three types are uniform, random, and clumped
Life History
The survivorship and reproductive patterns are shown by individuals in a population
Fecundity
The average number of offspring produced by a female member of a population over her lifetime
Survivorship
The number or percentage of organisms that typically live to a given age in a given population
Immigration
The movement of individuals into a population
Emigration
The movement of individuals out of a population
Biotic Potential
The highest possible per capita growth rate for a population
Exponential Growth
The growth pattern exhibited by a population growing at its biotic potential
Carrying Capacity
Maximum population size that a habitat can sustain over an extended period of time
Logistic Growth
The growth pattern exhibited by a population for which growth is limited by carrying capacity, or limited availability of resources
