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Questions and Answers

Which factor does NOT directly influence population size?

  • Emigration rate
  • Mortality rate
  • Technological advancement (correct)
  • Natality rate

What term describes the maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can sustainably support?

  • Environmental resistance
  • Carrying capacity (correct)
  • Population density
  • Biotic potential

What characterizes a stable population?

  • A zero growth rate, maintaining balance with environmental resources. (correct)
  • A decline in size because of high emigration rates.
  • A fluctuating size due to density-independent factors.
  • A growth rate exceeding the carrying capacity.

Which of these is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population size?

<p>A severe hurricane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of population growth is characterized by a J-shaped curve?

<p>Geometric growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the mark-recapture technique useful in population studies?

<p>It estimates population size, especially for mobile or elusive species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'lag phase' in logistic growth?

<p>A period of slow initial growth as the population acclimatizes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of predation in an ecosystem?

<p>To facilitate energy transfer and control prey populations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies interspecific competition?

<p>Hyenas competing for the same kill. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is resource partitioning?

<p>The division of resources by different species to minimize competition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbiotic relationship benefits one species while having no effect on the other?

<p>Commensalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do social hierarchies typically arise within a species?

<p>Through intraspecific competition for resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of human activities on ecological succession?

<p>They can disrupt natural succession, leading to altered ecosystems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do expanding age gender population pyramids typically indicate?

<p>A youthful population with high natality rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome if a population significantly exceeds its carrying capacity?

<p>Resource depletion and a possible population decline. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does emigration contribute to population dynamics?

<p>It decreases the population size of the original area. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of population ecology, what does 'environmental resistance' encompass?

<p>Limiting factors such as food, water, and space that reduce biotic potential. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the equilibrium phase in logistic growth?

<p>A stabilization of population size around the carrying capacity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does quadrat sampling assist in determining population size?

<p>By estimating population density in a defined area, especially for stationary organisms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does intraspecific competition influence social structures within animal communities?

<p>It leads to the formation of social hierarchies based on competition for dominance and resources. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might mutualistic relationships influence ecological succession?

<p>By facilitating the establishment and growth of species in a community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a population exhibiting logistic growth. If environmental resistance suddenly decreases, what is the most likely immediate effect on the population?

<p>The population will grow exponentially. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population pyramid shows a very broad base that rapidly narrows as age increases. What does this suggest about the population's future?

<p>The population is growing rapidly and will likely continue to do so. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where a highly efficient predator is introduced into an ecosystem, what long-term effect might this have on both the predator and prey populations?

<p>The predator population may initially increase, but both predator and prey populations could crash due to over-predation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might climate change act as both a density-dependent and a density-independent factor in regulating a population?

<p>Climate change can affect all individuals regardless of population size (density-independent) but can also exacerbate resource competition as habitats shrink (density-dependent). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider two islands: one large and one small, both initially uninhabited. The same number of individuals of the same species colonize each island. Which island is likely to reach its carrying capacity faster, and why?

<p>The smaller island, because it has fewer resources and higher density-dependent effects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where a keystone predator is removed from an ecosystem. What is the most likely long-term consequence for the plant community, assuming the herbivore population increases significantly?

<p>A shift to a less diverse plant community dominated by herbivore-resistant species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a long-term study, it's observed that a population oscillates slightly above and below its carrying capacity. Over time, what evolutionary change is MOST likely to occur within this population?

<p>Individuals will evolve traits that reduce their resource needs or increase their efficiency of resource utilization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a population of migratory birds that rely on a specific stopover habitat during their migration. Due to habitat destruction, this stopover site is severely degraded. How will this impact the carrying capacity of the birds' breeding and wintering grounds?

<p>The carrying capacity of the breeding and wintering grounds will likely decrease as the birds arrive in poorer condition, reducing their reproductive success and survival. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new, highly contagious disease emerges that primarily affects older individuals in a human population. Assuming no major medical breakthroughs occur, how will this likely alter the population's age-gender pyramid structure over the next few decades?

<p>The pyramid will become more top-heavy, with a narrower top and potentially a slight bulge in the middle-age groups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would an increase in the efficiency of agricultural practices worldwide affect the carrying capacity of the human population, and what are the potential long-term ecological consequences?

<p>The carrying capacity would likely increase, potentially leading to increased resource consumption, habitat destruction, and pollution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A remote island ecosystem is inhabited by a single species of flightless bird. A new invasive species of snake, which is highly efficient at hunting these birds, is introduced to the island. Initially, the bird population declines rapidly. However, after several generations, the bird population stabilizes at a much lower level. What combination of evolutionary and ecological changes is MOST likely to have occurred?

<p>Birds evolved camouflage and increased vigilance, and the snake population shifted to hunting other prey. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of population ecology?

<p>The dynamics of species populations and their interactions with the environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor directly increases population size?

<p>Natality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'environmental resistance' refer to?

<p>All limiting factors that reduce the biotic potential of a population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In logistic growth, what characterizes the 'exponential growth phase'?

<p>Rapid increase in population size. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is most suitable for estimating the population size of highly mobile animals?

<p>Mark-recapture technique. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'carrying capacity'?

<p>The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can sustain without degradation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a population in the 'equilibrium phase' of logistic growth?

<p>Population size fluctuating around the carrying capacity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?

<p>A severe drought reducing food availability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population exhibiting geometric growth is MOST likely to:

<p>Undergo rapid exponential growth followed by a sharp decline. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes interspecific competition from intraspecific competition?

<p>Interspecific competition involves different species competing for the same resources, while intraspecific involves competition within a species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological significance of resource partitioning?

<p>It allows species to coexist by utilizing different resources or environments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In commensalism, what is the nature of the interaction between two species?

<p>One species benefits, and the other is not affected. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver behind the formation of social hierarchies within a species?

<p>Competition for limited resources like mates and shelter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does deforestation typically impact ecological succession?

<p>It often disrupts natural succession, leading to altered ecosystems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of age-gender population pyramid indicates a rapidly growing population?

<p>A pyramid with a broad base that rapidly narrows with age. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is MOST likely to occur if a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

<p>The population will experience a die-off due to resource depletion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does emigration play in population dynamics?

<p>It contributes to population decline in the original habitat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is density-independent in population regulation?

<p>A severe weather event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What MOST accurately describes the 'equilibrium phase' in logistic growth?

<p>The population size fluctuates around the carrying capacity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is quadrat sampling typically used in ecological studies?

<p>To estimate population density in a defined area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role might intraspecific competition play in the social dynamics of animal communities?

<p>It can lead to the formation of social hierarchies and resource partitioning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can mutualistic relationships affect the process of ecological succession?

<p>They can facilitate the establishment and growth of species in a community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a population undergoing logistic growth, what is the MOST likely immediate effect of a sudden decrease in environmental resistance?

<p>A shift to exponential growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population pyramid with a very broad base that rapidly narrows as age increases suggests what about the population's future?

<p>Rapid population growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a highly efficient predator is introduced into an ecosystem, what is a likely long-term effect on both predator and prey populations?

<p>The predator population will increase while the prey population declines, potentially leading to oscillations or local extinction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can climate change function as both a density-dependent and a density-independent factor in regulating a population?

<p>It acts as density-dependent through increased competition for limited water resources in larger populations, and density-independent via extreme weather events that affect all individuals regardless of population size. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor directly contributes to an increase in population size?

<p>Immigration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'environmental resistance' primarily refer to?

<p>The sum of factors that limit the biotic potential of a population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method would be MOST suitable for estimating the population size of highly mobile animals over a large area?

<p>Mark-recapture technique (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is MOST likely to occur if a population significantly exceeds its carrying capacity?

<p>The population will decline due to resource depletion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement MOST accurately describes the 'equilibrium phase' in logistic growth?

<p>A phase where the population stabilizes near the carrying capacity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within animal communities, what role might intraspecific competition play in social dynamics?

<p>Leading to the establishment of social hierarchies and resource partitioning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a population undergoing logistic growth, what is MOST likely the immediate effect of a sudden decrease in environmental resistance?

<p>An increase in the rate of population growth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In South Africa, how might the mutualistic relationship between oxpeckers and rhinoceroses influence tick populations and, consequently, the health of the rhinoceroses?

<p>It helps control tick populations, potentially improving rhino health by reducing parasite loads. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the impact of human activities on ecological succession in South Africa, what strategy would MOST effectively balance conservation efforts with economic development?

<p>Implementing sustainable land-use policies that minimize habitat disruption and promote ecological restoration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population of small rodents inhabits a grassland ecosystem that experiences periodic fires. Over many generations, individuals with genes that promote rapid reproduction after a fire become more common. Which ecological relationship is MOST likely influencing this evolutionary trend?

<p>Density-independent factors, as the fires randomly reduce the population size, favoring rapid reproducers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A large area of previously undisturbed forest is cleared for cattle ranching. This is followed by the introduction of an invasive grass species that outcompetes native plants. How will this sequence of events MOST likely affect the ecological succession in the area?

<p>It will lead to a climax community dominated by invasive grasses, preventing the re-establishment of native forest species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A population of migratory birds relies on a specific wetland habitat as a stopover site during their long-distance migration. Over several years, the wetland gradually dries out due to climate change, reducing the availability of food and water. What is LIKELY to happen to birth rates and death rates?

<p>Birth rates will likely decrease, and death rates will likely increase on both the breeding and wintering grounds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A fisheries manager observes that a commercially important fish population has been declining despite consistent harvesting quotas (limits). Further investigation reveals that water pollution from nearby agricultural runoff has increased significantly. How are these two factors MOST likely interacting to impact the fish population?

<p>The pollution reduces the carrying capacity of the fish's environment, making it more vulnerable to the effects of harvesting, even at the set quotas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new invasive species of beetle is introduced into a pine forest ecosystem. These beetles are highly efficient at consuming pine needles, which are the primary food source for native caterpillars. Predict the MOST likely long-term consequences for the caterpillar population and the overall forest ecosystem.

<p>The caterpillar population will likely decline, leading to potential disruptions in the food web and altered plant community composition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a region experiencing rapid human population growth and urbanization, local wildlife populations are increasingly confined to fragmented habitat patches. This situation is MOST likely to lead to:

<p>Increased risk of local extinctions due to reduced population sizes and limited gene flow. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Two species of rodents, A and B, inhabit the same grassland ecosystem. Species A primarily consumes seeds, while Species B feeds on both seeds and insects. A severe drought reduces seed production significantly. How will this MOST likely affect the populations of Species A and Species B?

<p>Species A will likely decline more severely than Species B, as its primary food source is severely limited by the drought. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine an isolated island ecosystem where a population of flightless birds once thrived. A new invasive species of snake, which is highly efficient at hunting these birds, is introduced to the island. Initially, the bird population declines drastically. However, after several generations, the bird population stabilizes at a much lower level. What combination of evolutionary and ecological changes is MOST likely to have occurred?

<p>The birds evolved camouflage or behavioral adaptations to reduce predation risk while the ecosystem approached a new equilibrium with a lower bird carrying capacity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Population Ecology

The branch of biology studying population dynamics and their interaction with the environment, focusing on birth, death, immigration, and emigration rates.

Fertility in Population Ecology

The ability of females (ages 15-45) to produce offspring, directly impacting a population's birth rate.

Immigration (Population)

The entry of new individuals into a population, which can lead to population growth.

Emigration (Population)

The departure of individuals from a population, potentially forming new groups elsewhere.

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Migration (Population)

The periodic movement of organisms from one place to another; a survival strategy for some species.

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Environmental Resistance

All the limiting factors that reduce a population's biotic potential and growth, like limited resources.

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Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can sustainably support without harming the environment.

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Stable Population

A population maintaining a balance between size and the environment's carrying capacity; zero growth rate.

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Unstable Population

A population exceeding its carrying capacity, leading to potential resource depletion and decline.

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Density-Dependent Factors

Factors influencing a population based on its size, examples include food, water, disease, and predation.

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Density-Independent Factors

Factors affecting populations regardless of their size, such as natural disasters or climate conditions.

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Logistic Growth

A population growth model that slows and stabilizes over time due to the environment's carrying capacity, creating an S-shaped curve

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Lag Phase

The initial slow growth phase in logistic growth as the population adjusts.

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Exponential Growth Phase

The phase of rapid population increase in logistic growth.

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Decelerating Growth Phase

The phase in logistic growth where population growth slows as environmental resistance increases.

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Equilibrium Phase

The phase where population size stabilizes, fluctuating around the carrying capacity.

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Death/Extinction Phase

Potential decline in population size if resource use is unsustainable.

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Geometric Growth

A population growth model where the population doubles each generation, shown by J-shaped curve.

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Direct Counting

Counting individuals directly using methods like aerial photography or censuses.

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Indirect Counting

Estimating population sizes of elusive or mobile organisms using methods like mark-recapture.

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Mark-Recapture

A technique where a sample of a population is captured, marked, and recaptured to estimate total population size.

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Quadrat Sampling

Using quadrats to estimate population density in a defined area; good for stationary organisms.

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Predation

An ecological relationship where a predator hunts and consumes prey, affecting energy transfer and population control.

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Interspecific Competition

Competition between different species for the same resources, potentially leading to exclusion or specialization.

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Intraspecific Competition

Competition within the same species for resources like mates and shelter, important for survival and reproduction.

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Resource Partitioning

Species evolve specialized traits to use different resources, reducing competition and allowing coexistence.

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Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is harmed.

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Mutualism

A relationship where both organisms benefit.

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Commensalism

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.

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Social Hierarchies

Social structures where individuals compete for dominance, leading to clear rankings and roles within groups.

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Predation and Succession

Predator-prey dynamics influencing species composition during ecological succession.

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Mutualism in Succession

Where mutualistic interactions facilitate species establishment during succession.

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Human Disruption of Succession

Disruption of succession processes by human activities, altering ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

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Human Population Growth

Exponential increase in the human population due to advancements in agriculture, medicine, and technology.

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Age-Gender Population Pyramids

Visual representations of a population's age and sex distribution, indicating growth trends.

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Carrying Capacity Defined

The capability of an ecosystem to maintain a certain number of individuals without causing harm to the environment.

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Logistic Growth Model

Population growth that begins slowly, accelerates, then stabilizes due to environmental constraints.

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Geometric Growth Model

A J-shaped curve showing rapid growth, commonly seen in bacteria with unlimited resources.

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Predator-Prey Graphs

Cyclical relationships shown in graphs, where predator and prey populations rise and fall in relation to each other.

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Specialization

Species develop distinct traits to utilize different resources, reducing direct competition.

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Prey Defenses

Defense mechanisms that make prey harder to find, catch, or consume.

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Competition & Hierarchies

Where species compete for survival by influencing social standing.

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Conservation Efforts

Protecting habitats and restoring ecological processes to maintain diversity.

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Impact of Immigration

Population increases due to more individuals entering than leaving.

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Impact of Emigration

Population declines when more individuals leave than arrive.

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Mortality Rate

The rate at which deaths occur within a population.

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Stable Pyramids

A population that shows balanced age groups with longer lifespans.

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Population Change Factors

Population size increases with births and immigration, while it decreases with deaths and emigration.

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Indirect counting (population)

These use statistics drawn from a sample to infer the total population size; used for mobile populations.

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Lion and Zebra Interaction

Lions hunt zebras, regulating zebra populations and impacting grassland ecosystems.

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Leopards and Impalas

Leopards hunt impalas, influencing the population structures of both species.

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Brood Parasitism

One species deposits eggs in another's nest.

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Cattle egrets and buffaloes

Egrets follow buffaloes to catch stirrup insects.

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Mutualism and Group Behavior

One species is grooming, protecting or helping another in a cooperative way.

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Parasitism and Social Impact

Parasitized individuals may have altered behaviors impacting social standing.

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Ecological Conservation

Protecting habitats and restoring environments maintains succession and diversity.

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Increased Resource Demand

Populations increase, boosting demand.

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Infrastructure Needs

This is to build, support or extend the use of water, food, energy and waste systems for a population.

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Increased environmental impact

Increased waste, pollution and habitat loss.

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Study Notes

Population Ecology

  • Studies the dynamics of species populations and their interaction with the environment.
  • Key factors include natality, mortality, immigration, and emigration, which influence population size and structure.

Key Concepts and Dynamics

  • Fertility: Capability of females (ages 15 to 45) to produce offspring, affecting the natality rate.
  • Immigration: New members entering a population, potentially becoming permanent residents.
  • Based on species-specific behaviors.
  • Emigration: Departure of individuals from a population, leading to subpopulations.
  • Influenced by factors like the end of breeding seasons.
  • Migration: Periodic movement of organisms from one location to another.
  • A critical survival strategy for certain species.

Population Regulation Factors

  • Environmental Resistance: Limiting factors that reduce biotic potential and population growth, such as water, food, and space.
  • Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can sustain without causing significant harm to organisms or the environment.
  • Stable Population: Has a zero growth rate, balancing size and environmental carrying capacity.
  • Unstable Population: Exceeds carrying capacity, leading to resource depletion and potential decline.
  • Density-Dependent Factors: Influence a population based on its size, like food, water, disease, and predation.
  • Density-Independent Factors: Affect populations regardless of size, such as natural disasters and climate.

Population Growth Models

  • Logistic Growth: Population growth that stabilizes over time.
  • Lag Phase: Slow initial growth as the population adapts to its environment.
  • Exponential Growth Phase: Rapid increase in population size.
  • Decelerating Growth Phase: Slowing of growth as environmental resistance increases.
  • Equilibrium Phase: Population size stabilizes, fluctuating around the carrying capacity.
  • Death/Extinction Phase: Potential decline if resources are not sustained.
  • Geometric Growth: Population size doubles each generation, resulting in rapid exponential growth until resources are limited.
  • Follows a J-shaped curve, indicating rapid exponential growth until resource limits or other factors halt expansion.
  • Often seen in organisms like bacteria

Methods of Determining Population Size

  • Direct Counting: Counting individuals directly using methods like aerial photography or censuses.
  • Applicable for large or sessile organisms.
  • Indirect Counting: Estimating population sizes using techniques like mark-recapture.
  • Relies on statistical methods to infer total population size from sampled individuals
  • Useful for estimating the sizes of more elusive or mobile populations
  • Using quadrats to estimate the density of population in a defined area.

Interactions in the Environment

  • Focus on ecological relationships and dynamics.

Predation

  • Definition and Importance: A predator hunts and consumes prey. Predation is a crucial process for energy transfer and population control.
  • Lions and Zebras: Lions prey on zebras, influencing grassland ecosystems.
  • Leopards and Impalas: Demonstrates a classic predator-prey dynamic.
  • Predator-Prey Graphs: Illustrate cyclical relationships between predator and prey populations.

Competition

  • Interspecific Competition: Competition between different species for resources, often leading to competitive exclusion or niche specialization.
  • Intraspecific Competition: Competition within a species for resources like mates and shelter.
  • Influences survival and reproduction.
  • Specialisation: Competitive Exclusion and Resource Partitioning occur as species evolve traits to use different resources, reducing competition and allowing coexistence.
  • Example in Animals: Bird species feed at different heights in the same tree.
  • Example in Plants: Plant species in a forest specialize in capturing light at different levels.

Symbiotic Relationships

  • Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of another
  • Example 1: Ticks feed on the blood of hosts.
  • Example 2: Brood parasitism, where a bird species lays eggs in another's nest.
  • Mutualism: Both organisms benefit.
  • Example 1: Oxpeckers eat ticks and parasites on rhinoceroses.
  • Example 2: Pollinators like bees and flowering plants.
  • Commensalism: One organism benefits, and the other is unaffected.
  • Example 1: Cattle egrets follow large animals to catch insects.
  • Example 2: Orchids grow on trees for support without harming them.

Social Organisation in Ecosystems

  • Intraspecific Competition: Competition within a species leads to social hierarchies.
  • Maintains social order and reproductive success.
  • Examples:
  • Animal communities compete for dominance.
  • Resource partitioning occurs as individuals utilize different resources.
  • Mutualism and Group Behavior: Mutualistic relationships are tied to social behaviors.
  • Groups may form for mutual grooming or protection.
  • Parasitism and Social Impact: Parasitism can influence social structures.
  • Parasitized individuals may have altered behaviors.

Community Change Over Time (Succession)

  • Community Change Over Time: Focus on ecological succession.
  • Predation and Succession: Predator-prey dynamics influence ecological succession.
  • Changes in predator and prey populations shift dominant species.
  • Competition and Succession: Interspecific and intraspecific competition shape succession.
  • Early species compete intensely.
  • Symbiotic Relationships in Succession:
  • Mutualism facilitates the establishment and growth of species.
  • Parasitism affects the health and survival of host species.
  • Impact of Human Activities on Succession:
  • Human Disruption: Activities like deforestation alter ecosystems.
  • Conservation Efforts: Protecting habitats maintains ecological succession and diversity.

Human Population

  • Evolution and Exponential Growth: The human population has grown dramatically due to advancements in agriculture, medicine, and technology.
  • Age-Gender Population Pyramids:
  • Expanding pyramids indicate a youthful population with high natality rates.
  • Stable pyramids depict balanced age groups with lower birth rates.
  • Declining pyramids feature smaller younger age groups with low natality and mortality rates.
  • Reasons for Population Growth:
  • Natality: High birth rates.
  • Immigration: Influx of new individuals.
  • Reasons for Population Decline:
  • Mortality: High death rates.
  • Emigration: Movement of individuals out.
  • Population Change Equation:
  • Population Change = (Births + Immigration) - (Deaths + Emigration)
  • Environmental Factors Influencing Population Size:
  • Density-Dependent Factors: Resources like food and water, and social factors.
  • Density-Independent Factors: Natural disasters.
  • Carrying Capacity and Population Stability:
  • Carrying Capacity: The maximum population size an environment can sustain.
  • Populations may oscillate or crash if the capacity is exceeded.
  • Population Growth Models:
  • Logistic Growth: An S-shaped curve.
  • Lag phase: Slow initial growth.
  • Exponential growth phase: Rapid increase.
  • Decelerating growth phase: Growth slows as limits are approached.
  • Equilibrium phase: Population stabilizes near carrying capacity.
  • Geometric Growth: A J-shaped curve, exhibiting rapid population increase followed by a sharp decline.
  • Forecasting South Africa's Population Growth:
  • South Africa's population is increasing, but at a slower rate.
  • Consequences for South Africa:
  • Resource Allocation: Increased demand for resources.
  • Infrastructure: Need for more schools and hospitals.
  • Environmental Impact: Greater waste production.
  • Economic Implications: Changes in labor market dynamics.
  • Mark-Recapture Studies: Capture a sample of the population, mark it, and then recapture to estimate the total population based on the proportion of marked to unmarked individuals.
  • Quadrat Sampling: Use quadrats to estimate the density of a population in a defined area, especially effective for stationary or slow-moving organisms.
  • South Africa’s population has been steadily increasing, and projections suggest it will continue to do so, but at a slower rate.
  • From 1960 to 2018, the population grew by approximately 40 million.
  • Projections until 2050 estimate an additional increase of about 8 million, assuming current trends in fertility, mortality, and life expectancy continue.
  • Factors such as health improvements and better living conditions contribute to these trends.

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