Unit 1 Ecology Populations

Front

What are two ways that the population in an ecosystem can increase?

Back

Births and Immigration.

Front

Why can't organisms produce populations of unlimited size?

Back

There are limited resources on Earth.

Front

What type of growth is shown by the beetle population at points A and B?

Back

Exponential growth.

Front

What is one biotic factor that limits the carrying capacity of any habitat?

Back

Activity of decomposers.

Front

How does the size of the container affect the fruit fly population?

Back

Fruit flies placed in the large container had fewer limiting factors, therefore their carrying capacity was higher.

Front

Define carrying capacity in an ecosystem.

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What is the difference between immigration and emigration?

Back

Immigration is the movement of individuals into a population, while emigration is the movement of individuals out of a population.

Front

What is exponential growth in populations?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases rapidly in proportion to the current size, typically when resources are abundant.

Front

What is logistic growth in populations?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases rapidly initially, then slows as it approaches the carrying capacity of the environment.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.