Population Ecology

Front

What happens to a population's growth if the number of births equals the number of deaths?

Back

The population will stay the same.

Front

What is the term for the largest number of individuals of a population that the environment can support?

Back

Carrying capacity.

Front

What type of growth is characterized by a rapid increase in population size?

Back

Exponential growth.

Front

What does it indicate when one population increases and causes another to increase shortly after?

Back

It indicates a predator-prey relationship.

Front

What is the carrying capacity for a sheep population if it is stated to be 1.6 million?

Back

1.6 million.

Front

Define 'population crash'.

Back

A sudden decline in the number of individuals in a population.

Front

What is 'logistic growth'?

Back

A type of growth that starts exponentially but slows as the population reaches carrying capacity.

Front

Explain 'mutualism' in the context of population ecology.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Front

What is the difference between 'density-dependent' and 'density-independent' factors?

Back

Density-dependent factors affect population size based on the population's density, while density-independent factors affect population size regardless of density.

Front

What is a 'lag phase' in population growth?

Back

A period where the population grows slowly before accelerating.