Vocab

Question 1

Population ecology

Answer 1

The study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease

Question 2

Age structure

Answer 2

A diagram used to predict how a population would grow over the next few years

Question 3

Intrinsic growth rate

Answer 3

A populations maximum for potential growth

Question 4

Exponential growth model

Answer 4

Produces a j-shaped curve

Not limited by density dependent factor

Question 5

Density dependent

Answer 5

Factors that limit a population

Question 6

Carrying capacity

Answer 6

Used to describe a populations upper limit

Question 7

Logistic Growth Model

Answer 7

Produces a S-shaped curve

Will reach an upper limit called its carrying capacity

Question 8

Overshoots

Answer 8

Describes a population beyond its carrying capacity

Question 9

Die-offs

Answer 9

Describes a population below its carrying capacity

Question 10

R-selected species

Answer 10

A species capable of rapid exponential growth

Question 11

K-selected species

Answer 11

A species limited by resources and competition

Question 12

Type I survivorship curve

Answer 12

High survival through most of an individuals life span, but then individuals start to die in large numbers as they approach old age. (Elephants)

Question 13

Type II survivorship curve

Answer 13

A relatively constant decline in survivorship throughout most of the individuals life span. (Birds)

Question 14

Type III survivorship curve

Answer 14

Low survivorship early in life with few individuals reaching adulthood (Dandelions)

Question 15

Intraspecific

Answer 15

Competition between members of the same species

Question 16

Interspecific

Answer 16

Competition between 2 or more species for the same limited resource

Question 17

Competitive exclusion

Answer 17

When 2 species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist

Question 18

Resources partitioning

Answer 18

Utilizing limited resources at different times or places

Question 19

Predation

Answer 19

Occurs when a predator feeds on all or part of another organism known as its prey

Question 20

Co-evolution

Answer 20

Occurs when species interact over a long period of time and influences changes in each other’s gene pools

Question 21

Parasitism

Answer 21

When one organism gains energy by living on or inside a host organism

Question 22

Mutualism

Answer 22

When 2 organisms interact in a manner that is beneficial to both

Question 23

Commensalism

Answer 23

When an interaction benefits one species but has little to no impact on the other (lichen)

Question 24

Ecological succession

Answer 24

The gradual change in species abundance and diversity after unpredictable events

Question 25

Primary succession

Answer 25

The establishment of a biotic community from a previously lifeless terrain

Question 26

Secondary succession

Answer 26

Where a disturbance in the ecosystem has damaged or removed part of the established community but leaves the soil in place

Question 27

Pioneer species

Answer 27

First to move into the ecosystem and begin the colonization process

Question 28

Biodiversity

Answer 28

Refers to the variety of species, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they live in.

Question 29

Natural capital

Answer 29

Examples include food, fuel wood, energy, and medicines

Question 30

Species richness

Answer 30

The number of species in a given area

Question 31

Species evenness

Answer 31

The relative proportion of different species in a given area

Question 32

Mutation

Answer 32

Random changes in the DNA of a cell

Question 33

Genetic diversity

Answer 33

Variability in the genetic makeup among individuals within a single species

Question 34

Natural selection

Answer 34

Results in a population that contains a greater proportion of organisms better adapted to certain environmental conditions

Question 35

Fitness

Answer 35

an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce

Question 36

Adaptation

Answer 36

Traits that improve an individual’s fitness

Question 37

Geographic isolation

Answer 37

When geologic or climatic events separate populations

Question 38

Reproductive isolation

Answer 38

An inability to pass new traits between separated populations

Question 39

Speciation

Answer 39

The formation of 2 species from one because of divergent natural selection in response to changes in environmental conditions

Question 40

Extinction

Answer 40

When an entire species disappears from earth

Question 41

Background extinction

Answer 41

Normal extinction of various species

Question 42

Mass extinction

Answer 42

A significant rise in extinction rates above the background level

Question 43

Range of tolerance

Answer 43

Determines whether an organism is living in its fundamental or realized niche

Question 44

Fundamental niche

Answer 44

The suite of abiotic conditions under which a species can survive, grow, and reproduce

Question 45

Realized niche

Answer 45

The range of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species actually lives

Question 46

Native species

Answer 46

A type of species that lives and flourishes in a particular environment

Question 47

Specialist species

Answer 47

A type of species with a narrow niche who eats from one food source

Question 48

Generalist species

Answer 48

A type of species with a broad niche since it can eat a variety of food

Question 49

Invasive species

Answer 49

A nonnative species introduced to a new environment

Question 50

Keystone species

Answer 50

It’s disappearance has a large impact on the community (large impact on the community)

Question 51

Indicator species

Answer 51

A species that provides an early warning that damage to an ecosystem is occurring