Chapter 2 Flashcard

Front

What is a limiting factor?

Back

Factors/resources that reduce how many organisms can live in an area at the same time.

Front

What happens if a population goes over its carrying capacity?

Back

It will eventually decrease due to a lack of resources.

Front

What does the carrying capacity of a population show?

Back

The maximum number of organisms that an ecosystem can support for a long period of time.

Front

If the amount of food or resources available increases, what happens to the carrying capacity for an animal?

Back

It increases.

Front

What happens to the herbivore population if a wildfire destroys the plant life?

Back

Herbivores would decrease due to a lack of food.

Front

Define carrying capacity.

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

Food availability, disease, and competition.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent limiting factor?

Back

Natural disasters like floods or wildfires.

Front

How does overpopulation affect an ecosystem?

Back

It can lead to resource depletion and increased competition among species.

Front

What role do predators play in regulating population sizes?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, preventing overpopulation.