4.03 - Population Dynamics Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the biological surplus?

The maximum population that can be sustained in a specific environment

The movement of non-native species into a new region

When there are more organisms in a population than the ecosystem can sustain (correct)

A point in an ecosystem when all populations reach a point of little or no change

What is carrying capacity?

The maximum population that can be sustained in a specific environment.

What defines a climax community?

A point in an ecosystem when all populations reach a point of little or no change.

What is the death rate?

Total number of deaths per 1,000 population. Signup and view all the answers

What is emigration?

Departure from a natural home or region. Signup and view all the answers

What is immigration?

Movement of non-native species into a new region. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limiting factor?

Anything that can slow or stop the growth of a population. Signup and view all the answers

What does peak phenomenon refer to?

A population grows at a fast rate, then busts when the resources run out. Signup and view all the answers

Define population dynamics.

Which populations are growing or declining and hypothesize how these changes will affect other species in their ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary succession?

Scenario in which plants and animals first colonize a barren, lifeless habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary succession?

Regrowth of an established ecosystem after a disruption event. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sigmoid phenomenon?

A population increases while food and habitat are abundant and decreases as food becomes less available. Signup and view all the answers

How does a decrease in sea ice affect polar bears?

Less sea ice means polar bears lose the element of surprise and their hunting is less successful. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of limiting factors?

Anything that can slow or stop the growth of a population, such as food resources or interactions with other species. Signup and view all the answers

How do sun, water, and land affect an ecosystem's carrying capacity?

Seasonal fluctuations in sunlight, variations in water levels, and changes to habitat affect the carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the differences between primary and secondary succession.

Primary is the colonization of a barren habitat, while secondary is the regrowth after a disturbance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Population Dynamics

Biological Surplus: Occurs when a population exceeds the ecosystem’s sustainable limits, leading to potential resource shortages and migrations.
Carrying Capacity: The maximum size of a population that a specific environment can support based on available resources.
Climax Community: A stable ecosystem where species populations remain relatively unchanged over time.
Death Rate: The measurement of mortality within a population, expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000 individuals.
Emigration: The process of leaving one's natural habitat or region to settle in another area.
Immigration: The arrival of non-native species into a new area, which can impact local ecosystems.
Limiting Factor: Any element that restricts population growth, whether it be food availability, predators, or environmental conditions.

Population Growth Phenomena

Peak Phenomenon: A rapid population increase not constrained by typical birth and death rates, followed by a collapse when resources become scarce.
Sigmoid Phenomenon: Represented by an initial rapid growth phase followed by stabilization when resources are limited, resulting in a population that fluctuates around the carrying capacity.

Succession in Ecosystems

Primary Succession: The colonization of a lifeless environment by living organisms, starting from scratch (e.g., after a volcanic eruption).
Secondary Succession: The re-establishment of an ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a fire, resulting in faster recovery compared to primary succession.

Ecological Dynamics and Interactions

Influence of Food Resources: Changes in the availability of food, such as the Balsam fir trees on Isle Royale, can significantly affect species populations like moose and wolves.
Tracking Carrying Capacity: Ecologists study long-term population data to determine the ecosystem's ability to support specific species, considering factors like food and habitat availability.

Migration and Species Interaction

Impacts of Emigration and Immigration: Population movement can be beneficial or harmful; for example, a sudden influx of predators like coyotes can decrease local herbivore populations, affecting the entire ecosystem balance.
Polar Bear Hunting Challenges: Reduced sea ice limits polar bears' hunting effectiveness, making it harder to catch seals as they can easily escape in open water.

Factors Affecting Ecosystems

Limiting Factors: Biotic (e.g., food resources) and abiotic factors (e.g., water availability, sunlight) can regulate population growth and overall ecosystem health.
Seasonal Changes: Variations in environmental conditions, such as sunlight and water levels, directly impact an ecosystem's carrying capacity and can force species migration.

Characteristics of Population Patterns

Sigmoid Growth: Initially rapid population growth, followed by a plateau as resources become limited, indicating the carrying capacity.
Peak Growth: Characterized by a significant boom in population followed by a sharp decline when resources are depleted, highlighting the instability without resource management.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on key concepts in Population Dynamics. This quiz covers essential terms such as biological surplus, carrying capacity, and climax community, providing definitions that enhance understanding of ecological balance. Perfect for students studying environmental science or ecology topics.