Human Impact and Population Ecology

Front

What happens to a population if the number of births is higher than the number of deaths?

Back

The population will increase.

Front

What is the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is a renewable resource?

Back

A resource that can be replenished naturally over time, such as trees.

Front

Define population density.

Back

The number of individuals of a species per unit area.

Front

What is the significance of predation in population ecology?

Back

Predation helps control prey populations, keeping them below their carrying capacity.

Front

What is the approximate population of men age 65-69 in the US in 2014?

Back

7.5 million.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, while abiotic factors are non-living components.

Front

What is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting population growth?

Back

Food availability.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population growth?

Back

Natural disasters.

Front

What does the term 'exponential growth' refer to in population ecology?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases rapidly in proportion to the current size.