Ch. 5 Populations Miller & Levine

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What happens to a population if the number of births exceeds the number of deaths?

Back

The population will increase.

Front

What is a density-independent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size regardless of its density, such as natural disasters.

Front

What is a density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size based on its density, such as competition for resources.

Front

What is the significance of the logistic growth model?

Back

It describes how populations grow in a limited environment, showing an initial exponential growth followed by a plateau at carrying capacity.

Front

What role do predators play in population dynamics?

Back

Predators can limit the population size of prey species, affecting the overall ecosystem balance.

Front

How does competition affect population growth?

Back

Increased competition for resources can lead to decreased population growth or even population decline.

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 impact of invasive species on native populations?

Back

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in native populations.

Front

What is exponential growth in populations?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases rapidly in proportion to the current size, typically seen in ideal conditions.