Carrying Capacity Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Population' refer to?

A group of organisms of different species living together

A group of organisms of the same species that lives in the same area (correct)

The total number of species in a habitat

A large geographical area inhabited by organisms

What is Population Size?

The number of individuals in a population.

Define Population Density.

The individuals that make up the population size per unit area or volume.

What is Population Distribution?

How the individuals in a population are distributed throughout their habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Survivorship Curve represent?

A line graph that represents the number of individuals alive at each age. Signup and view all the answers

What is Immigration?

When part of a population joins another population elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

Define Emigration.

When part of a population leaves to go elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dispersal mean in ecology?

When offspring move away from their parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is Migration?

The regular movement of individuals or populations every year during certain seasons. Signup and view all the answers

Define Exponential Growth.

Pattern of population growth in which a population starts out growing slowly but grows faster as population size increases. Signup and view all the answers

What is Logistic Growth?

Pattern of population growth in which growth slows and population size levels off as the population approaches the carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Carrying Capacity represent?

The largest population size a niche can support without being harmed. Signup and view all the answers

Define K-Selected Species.

Species that live in a stable environment, in which their population growth is controlled by density-dependent factors. Signup and view all the answers

What are r-Selected Species?

Species that live in an unstable environment, in which their population is uncontrolled and rapid. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population Concepts

Population: A group of organisms of the same species in a specific area.
Population Size: The total number of individuals within a population.
Population Density: The concentration of individuals in a population per unit area or volume.
Population Distribution: The spatial arrangement of individuals within their habitat.

Population Dynamics

Survivorship Curve: A graph illustrating the number of individuals alive at each age, providing insight into mortality rates at different life stages.
Immigration: The process where individuals from one population join another population in a different location.
Emigration: The departure of individuals from a population to reside elsewhere.
Dispersal: The movement of offspring away from their parents to establish new territories.
Migration: Seasonal, regular movement of populations or individuals that occurs annually.

Growth Patterns

Exponential Growth: A growth pattern where the population increases slowly initially, then accelerates as the size expands.
Logistic Growth: A growth pattern that plateaus as the population approaches its carrying capacity, with growth slowing down significantly.

Carrying Capacity

Carrying Capacity (K): Denotes the maximum sustainable population size that an ecosystem can support without leading to degradation.
K-Selected Species: Species that thrive in stable environments, exhibiting population control through density-dependent factors.
r-Selected Species: Species adapted to unstable environments, characterized by rapid population growth and uncontrolled reproduction.

Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to carrying capacity with these flashcards. Learn about population, population size, density, and distribution. Perfect for students studying ecology and environmental science.