population ecology

Front

Why don't populations grow indefinitely?

Back

Limiting factors prevent indefinite population growth.

Front

What are survivorship curves?

Back

Curves that describe the number of survivors over time.

Front

What does carrying capacity mean?

Back

The maximum number of individuals an area can support.

Front

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

Back

Pollution is a density-independent limiting factor.

Front

What is (im)migration?

Back

The movement into (immigration) or out of (emigration) an area.

Front

Define population density.

Back

The number of individuals per unit area.

Front

What is a biotic factor?

Back

A living component that affects the population, such as predators or food.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

A non-living component that affects the population, such as temperature or water.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological niche.

Back

The role and position a species has in its environment.

Front

What is exponential growth in populations?

Back

A growth pattern where the population increases rapidly over time.