Population Ecology Vocabulary

Front

What is a limiting factor in population ecology?

Back

A limiting factor is any resource or condition that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population within an ecosystem.

Front

Give an example of a limiting factor for a rabbit population in a forest ecosystem.

Back

Grass available is a limiting factor for a rabbit population as it is a primary food source.

Front

True or False: A limiting factor is something that keeps the size of a population down.

Back

True

Front

What are density dependent limiting factors?

Back

Density dependent limiting factors are factors that affect population size in relation to the population's density, such as parasites, disease, and predators.

Front

What are density independent limiting factors?

Back

Density independent limiting factors are factors that affect population size regardless of the population's density, such as natural disasters or climate.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects population size: Immigration, Births, Photosynthesis, Deaths?

Back

Photosynthesis is NOT a factor that affects population size.

Front

Identify a density-independent limiting factor.

Back

Fire is an example of a density-independent limiting factor.

Front

What is the role of immigration in population dynamics?

Back

Immigration increases the population size by adding new individuals from other areas.

Front

What is the role of emigration in population dynamics?

Back

Emigration decreases the population size by removing individuals from the population.

Front

Define carrying capacity in the context of population ecology.

Back

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.