Population Growth

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Logistic growth.

Front

What is exponential growth?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases at a constant rate, leading to a rapid increase over time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

Front

Define predator in an ecological context.

Back

An animal that hunts and eats other animals.

Front

What is prey?

Back

An animal that is hunted and eaten by predators.

Front

What does the term 'population density' refer to?

Back

The number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume.

Front

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

Back

Density-dependent factors are influenced by population size (e.g., competition, predation), while density-independent factors affect populations regardless of size (e.g., natural disasters).

Front

What is a boom-bust cycle?

Back

A pattern of population growth characterized by rapid increases followed by sharp declines.

Front

What is the significance of competition in ecosystems?

Back

Competition occurs when individuals or species vie for the same resources, affecting population dynamics.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3