Ecological Niche and Species Adaptation

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Questions and Answers

What are characteristics of specialist species?

Narrower ecological niche (correct)

High adaptability

Larger range of tolerance

Specific food requirements (correct)

Explain why generalist species are advantaged in habitats that change constantly.

Generalists can adapt to new areas with different food sources.

K-selected species have a high degree of __________.

parental care

List 5 characteristics of K-selected species.

Few offspring, heavy parental care, long lifespan, long time to sexual maturity, low biotic potential. Signup and view all the answers

List 5 characteristics of r-selected species.

Many offspring, little to no care, shorter lifespan, quick to sexual maturity, high biotic potential. Signup and view all the answers

Define biotic potential.

The ability of a population to increase under ideal environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Invasive species are generally r-selected.

True Signup and view all the answers

Explain why K-selected species are more negatively impacted by invasive species than r-selected species.

K-selected species are less adaptable to environmental changes and are more prone to extinction. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term age cohort.

A group of people born in the same generation. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Type I survivorship curve?

Most mammals. Signup and view all the answers

What is carrying capacity?

The maximum number of individuals in a population that an ecosystem can support. Signup and view all the answers

Overshoot occurs when a population becomes __________ than the environment's carrying capacity.

larger Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of overshoot?

Resource depletion. Signup and view all the answers

Define limiting resource.

A resource that a population cannot live without, occurring in quantities lower than needed. Signup and view all the answers

What does mortality refer to?

Death. Signup and view all the answers

Define fecundity.

Fertility; fruitfulness. Signup and view all the answers

How do decreasing resources impact the carrying capacity for a given population?

Lower carrying capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sex ratio?

The ratio of males to females. Signup and view all the answers

What are density dependent factors?

Factors that influence population growth based on size. Signup and view all the answers

Define density independent factors.

Factors that influence population growth independent of population size. Signup and view all the answers

What is biotic potential?

Maximum potential growth rate with no limiting resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is logistic growth?

Initial rapid growth followed by limiting factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does an age structure diagram represent?

The number of individuals within specific age groups for a country. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the base of an age structure diagram.

0-14 age cohorts indicate potential future population growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is population momentum?

Continued population growth despite measures to reduce growth. Signup and view all the answers

What does a pyramid shape in an age structure diagram imply?

Rapid population growth. Signup and view all the answers

Define TFR.

Total fertility rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is replacement level fertility?

The TFR required to keep population size stable. Signup and view all the answers

Define the infant mortality rate (IMR).

The number of deaths of children under 1 year per 1,000 live births. Signup and view all the answers

What factors affect TFR related to development?

More developed nations usually have lower TFR. Signup and view all the answers

How can government policy affect TFR?

Through coercive or noncoercive policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of female education on TFR?

More education leads to fewer unplanned pregnancies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of crude birth rate?

The total number of live births in a year per 1,000 people. Signup and view all the answers

Define crude death rate.

The number of deaths per year per 1,000 people. Signup and view all the answers

What is Malthusian theory?

Human population growth will outpace food production. Signup and view all the answers

How do technological advancements affect carrying capacity?

They can increase the carrying capacity through innovations. Signup and view all the answers

List factors that increase population growth.

Higher TFR, high infant mortality, high immigration, increased access to healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

List factors that decrease population growth.

High death rates, higher education, delayed age of first child. Signup and view all the answers

Define gross domestic product (GDP).

The sum total of the value of all goods and services produced in a nation. Signup and view all the answers

What is industrialization?

The transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial one. Signup and view all the answers

Define pre-industrialized/less developed.

Countries that have not transitioned to an industrial economy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe industrializing/developing countries.

Countries partway through the transition to industrialization. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes industrialized/developed countries?

Very low death rates and high GDP. Signup and view all the answers

What is stage 1 of demographic transition?

High IMR and high death rate. Signup and view all the answers

Describe stage 2 of demographic transition.

Modernization leads to declining IMR and CDR. Signup and view all the answers

What defines stage 3 of demographic transition?

Declining TFR as educational and economic opportunities increase. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes stage 4 of demographic transition?

Highly developed countries with very low TFR. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Generalist and Specialist Species

Specialists have a narrow ecological niche and specific food requirements, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Generalists possess a broader range of tolerance, allowing them to thrive in diverse habitats and adapt to changing conditions, often leading to invasive behaviors.

Adaptation in Changing Habitats

Generalists adapt to various environments and food sources, while specialists excel in stable habitats with consistent food availability.

K-selected Species Characteristics

K-selected species produce few offspring with significant parental investment; examples include most mammals and birds.
They have a long lifespan and take a longer time to reach sexual maturity, resulting in a low biotic potential and slow population growth.

R-selected Species Characteristics

R-selected species produce many offspring with little to no parental care; examples include insects and fish.
They have a short lifespan and reach sexual maturity quickly, leading to high biotic potential and rapid population growth.

Biotic Potential Definition

Biotic potential refers to the maximum ability of a population to increase in ideal environmental conditions, with K-selected species showcasing low biotic potential and r-selected species displaying high potential.

Invasive Species Selection

Invasive species are generally r-selected due to their ability to reproduce quickly and produce numerous offspring.

Impact of Invasive Species on K-selected Species

K-selected species, due to their low intrinsic growth rates, struggle to adapt when environmental conditions change, making them more susceptible to extinction from invasives.

Age Cohort Definition

An age cohort consists of individuals born in the same generation.

Survivorship Curve Explanation

The survivorship curve depicts survival rates from birth to death across age cohorts:
- Type I: High survivorship in early and mid-life, rapid decline in late life (e.g., most mammals).
- Type II: Steady decline throughout life.
- Type III: Low survivorship early in life with a gradual decrease for those that survive to adulthood (e.g., insects, fish).

Carrying Capacity Definition

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can support based on available resources.

Factors Determining Deer Carrying Capacity

Reindeer introduction on St. Paul Island illustrates carrying capacity dynamics, showing growth followed by a population crash due to resource depletion.

Overshoot Definition

Overshoot occurs when a population exceeds the environment's carrying capacity.

Die-off Definition

A die-off is characterized by a rapid decline in population numbers due to increased mortality.

Consequence of Overshoot

Resource depletion results from populations exceeding their carrying capacity.

Limiting Resource Definition

Limiting resources are essential for a population's survival and are present in quantities insufficient for growth.

Mortality Definition

Mortality simply refers to death rates within a population.

Fecundity Definition

Fecundity represents fertility or the capacity for reproduction in a population.

Resource Impact on Carrying Capacity

Decreasing resources result in a lower carrying capacity for any given population.

Sex Ratio Definition

The sex ratio is the proportion of males to females within a population, affecting breeding success.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that influence population growth based on size, including food availability and competition.

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect population growth regardless of size, such as natural disasters.

Biotic Potential Overview

Biotic potential reflects the maximum growth rate of a species in the absence of limiting resources.

Logistic Growth Definition

Logistic growth describes a pattern where initial rapid growth is followed by a slowdown due to limiting factors.

Age Structure Diagram Explanation

Age structure diagrams visually represent the distribution of individuals in specific age groups, crucial for understanding population dynamics.

Significance of Age Cohorts in Demography

The base of an age structure diagram (0-14 age cohort) indicates future growth potential and overall population health.

Population Momentum Definition

Population momentum refers to continued population growth despite measures to reduce fertility rates.

Pyramid Shape in Age Structure

Pyramid shapes in age structure diagrams indicate growth rates; extreme pyramids signify rapid growth, while narrow bases suggest population decline.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

TFR measures the average number of children a woman will have in her lifetime; higher TFR indicates higher birth rates.

Replacement Level Fertility

Replacement level fertility (about 2.1 in developed countries) is the TFR needed to maintain stable population sizes.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

IMR is the number of deaths among children under one year per 1,000 live births; higher rates are often seen in less developed countries.

Developmental Factors Affecting TFR

Higher affluence and development lead to lower TFR due to increased education, job opportunities, and access to family planning.

Government Policies’ Impact on TFR

Government interventions can significantly influence fertility via coercive or non-coercive policies.

Education’s Role in TFR

Higher educational attainment for women correlates with decreased TFR due to better job opportunities and family planning access.

Crude Birth Rate

The crude birth rate is the number of live births per year for every 1,000 people in a population.

Crude Death Rate

The crude death rate is the number of deaths per year per 1,000 people in a population.

Malthusian Theory Overview

Malthusian theory posits a limit to human population growth based on food production capabilities.

Technological Advancements in Population Growth

Advances in technology can increase Earth's carrying capacity, exemplified by synthetic fertilizers enhancing food production.

Factors that Increase Population Growth

Higher TFR, high immigration, and improved healthcare access contribute to increased population growth.

Factors that Decrease Population Growth

High death rates, improved education, and delayed childbirth reduce population growth rates.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within a nation.

Industrialization Definition

Industrialization transitions economies from agrarian to manufacturing-focused, impacting societal structures.

Economic Stages of Development

Pre-industrialized: High death and infant mortality rates, low GDP.
Industrializing: Declining death rates, rising GDP.
Industrialized: Very low death rates and high GDP.
Post-industrialized: Wealthy, low TFR, and higher contraceptive use rates, often leading to negative population growth.

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Description

Explore the differences between generalist and specialist species, including their adaptations in changing habitats. This quiz also covers K-selected and R-selected species characteristics, highlighting reproductive strategies and parental investment. Test your knowledge on ecological principles and species survival strategies.