AP Biology: Ecology Populations

Front

What is a density-dependent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that limits population growth based on the density of the population, such as competition for resources, predation, and disease.

Front

What type of growth is characterized by a population reaching its carrying capacity?

Back

Logistic growth.

Front

What happens when two species occupy the same niche?

Back

One species will either alter their niche or be eliminated.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without being degraded.

Front

Define 'population' in ecological terms.

Back

A group of interbreeding individuals of the same species occupying a specific area.

Front

What is the difference between logistic and exponential growth?

Back

Logistic growth includes environmental constraints and reaches a carrying capacity, while exponential growth occurs without limits.

Front

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

Back

Natural disasters such as floods or fires that affect population size regardless of density.

Front

What is the significance of the niche in an ecosystem?

Back

A niche describes how a species fits into its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.

Front

What is interspecific competition?

Back

Competition between different species for the same resources in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the role of predators in population dynamics?

Back

Predators help control the population size of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.