Environmental Science Biotic Potential Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How do populations tend to grow in numbers?

When the available resources are greater than that required by the members of the population present at that particular time.

What is biotic potential?

Refers to the highest rate of reproduction possible for a population under ideal conditions.

In general, populations that grow under ideal conditions show ________________ growth.

Exponential growth

A graph of this growth is said to be ____ shaped.

J shaped graph Signup and view all the answers

What are two common reasons for the exponential growth of a population? The first reason is...

Populations that have recently been introduced into a new environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are two common reasons for the exponential growth of a population? The second reason is...

Populations that are recovering from some catastrophe such as a flood. Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 factors that affect biotic potential? The first factor is...

The age at which reproduction begins (age of first reproduction event). Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 factors that affect biotic potential? The second factor is...

The number of offspring produced at each reproduction event (clutch size). Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 factors that affect biotic potential? The third factor is...

The number of offspring that survive to reproductive age (survival rate). Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 factors that affect biotic potential? The fourth factor is...

The number of reproduction events that can occur in the lifetime of the organism. Signup and view all the answers

What type of animals typically have low biotic potentials?

Large slow-gestating animals have much slower biotic potentials. Signup and view all the answers

What is environmental resistance?

The set of limiting factors that tend to reduce population size or slow reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What sets the size of a population?

The size of a population is set by the ability of the individuals to utilize the resources and by the level of those resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

The ability to maintain a relatively stable internal state. Signup and view all the answers

What are changes in human history that allowed us to live longer?

Medicine/hospital, technology advances (car), transportation, waste management, education (food, weight management, stress management). Signup and view all the answers

What is population growth?

An increase in the size of the population over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is exponential growth?

As a population gets larger, it also grows faster and results in a population explosion. Signup and view all the answers

What is carrying capacity?

Population growth does have limits such as availability of food and space. Signup and view all the answers

What is the beginning growth phase in population dynamics?

The population increases, the few starting members have offspring, and the population grows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rapid growth phase in population dynamics?

There are many organisms, each reproducing, resulting in a fast increase in the number of individuals. Growth is exponential. Signup and view all the answers

What is the leveling off phase in population dynamics?

As the population grows, it becomes more difficult for each organism to meet its needs. Growth slows. The graph resembles the letter S. Signup and view all the answers

What is the carrying capacity phase in population dynamics?

The environment cannot support more organisms. If population size is above the carrying capacity, organisms die. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Population Growth

Populations grow when resources exceed the needs of existing members.
Under ideal conditions, populations exhibit "exponential growth."
Exponential growth is represented by a J-shaped graph.

Biotic Potential

Biotic potential is the maximum reproductive rate of a population in optimal conditions.
Factors affecting biotic potential include:
- Age of first reproduction (early maturation increases potential).
- Clutch size (number of offspring produced per reproductive event).
- Survival rate of offspring (proportion surviving to reproductive age).
- Frequency of reproductive events in an organism's lifetime.

Exponential Growth Triggers

Populations introduced to new environments often experience rapid exponential growth.
Recovery from disasters, such as floods, can also lead to a surge in population numbers.

Characteristics of Biotic Potential

Large, slow-gestating animals generally have low biotic potentials.
Environmental resistance consists of limiting factors that inhibit population growth.

Population Size and Carrying Capacity

Population size is determined by resource availability and individuals' ability to utilize resources.
Carrying capacity represents the maximum number of organisms an environment can support.
Exponential growth curves transition to S-shaped curves when carrying capacity is reached due to resource limitations.

Stages of Population Growth

Beginning Growth: Initial population increases as few members reproduce.
Rapid Growth: As population increases, reproduction leads to exponential growth.
Leveling Off: Growth slows as resource competition intensifies; graph resembles an S-shape.
Carrying Capacity: Population stabilizes; exceeds this limit results in mortality.

Human Historical Changes Impacting Longevity

Advancements in medicine and hospital care.
Technological innovations, such as transportation and waste management.
Increased education regarding food and stress management has influenced population dynamics.

Key Definitions

Homeostasis: The internal stability maintained by living organisms.
Population Growth: An increase in the overall number of individuals in a population.
Exponential Growth: Growth pattern where larger populations grow faster, leading to a population explosion.

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Description

Test your knowledge of biotic potential and population growth with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential concepts related to how populations grow and the factors affecting their numbers. Ideal for students studying environmental science.