Population Dynamics and Ecological Interactions

Front

What is the purpose of a presence-absence matrix?

Back

To determine patterns of species distribution.

Front

What happens to the number of predators when a disease spreads and a lot of prey dies?

Back

It will begin to decrease due to a limited amount of food source.

Front

What are density dependent factors?

Back

The factors that change rely on the density of the population.

Front

What is the Lincoln index used for?

Back

To estimate the number of individuals in the population.

Front

What is a population?

Back

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same geographical area.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

Define ecological niche.

Back

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

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 the significance of keystone species?

Back

Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Front

Explain the concept of mutualism.

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.