4.1 - Populations

Front

What is the role of Sea Otters in Kelp ecosystems?

Back

Sea otters consume sea urchins, which feed on kelp, thus helping to maintain the health of kelp forests.

Front

What does the dashed line labeled K represent in population graphs?

Back

The Carrying Capacity, which is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain.

Front

What characterizes rapid, unchecked population growth?

Back

It is a phase where a population grows exponentially without significant limitations from resources or predation.

Front

What is Intraspecific Competition?

Back

Competition for resources among individuals of the same species.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Front

Define Carrying Capacity.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between Intraspecific and Interspecific Competition?

Back

Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species, while interspecific competition occurs between different species.

Front

What is Logistic Growth?

Back

A population growth model that describes how a population grows rapidly at first and then slows as it approaches the carrying capacity.

Front

What is Competitive Exclusion?

Back

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist at constant population values.

Front

What is the significance of a population growth curve?

Back

It illustrates how a population's size changes over time, reflecting growth patterns and environmental limits.