Biology: Population Dynamics and Ecosystems

Front

What happens when a population reaches carrying capacity?

Back

Growth & Immigration are equal to Death & Emigration.

Front

What is a limiting factor in population dynamics?

Back

A limiting factor stops a population from growing large.

Front

Why do smaller population sizes in fragmented habitats lead to extinction?

Back

Gene flow is restricted and inbreeding occurs.

Front

What type of relationship exists between lichens and trees?

Back

Commensalism.

Front

What happens to the carrying capacity if food or resources increase?

Back

The carrying capacity increases.

Front

Define carrying capacity.

Back

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Front

What is the difference between immigration and emigration?

Back

Immigration is the movement of individuals into a population, while emigration is the movement of individuals out of a population.

Front

What is the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community.