Population Growth

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The largest number of individuals of a population that the environment can support.

Front

What is exponential growth?

Back

A growth pattern where the population size increases rapidly over time, typically represented by a J-shaped curve.

Front

What is logistic growth?

Back

A growth pattern where the population grows rapidly at first, then slows as it approaches the carrying capacity, typically represented by an S-shaped curve.

Front

What are density-dependent factors?

Back

Factors that affect population growth in relation to the population density, such as food availability, disease, and competition.

Front

What are density-independent factors?

Back

Factors that affect population growth regardless of population density, such as natural disasters and climate.

Front

What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

Back

The population will start to die off to return to carrying capacity due to resource depletion.

Front

What is a boom-bust cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like water, soil, and climate).

Front

What is a predator-prey cycle?

Back

A cyclical pattern of population dynamics where the population of predators and prey influence each other's growth.