Chapter 1 Populations and Resources

Front

What is a population in ecology?

Back

A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time.

Front

What factors can cause a population to increase?

Back

A population can increase if more individuals are born than die.

Front

What is a predator-prey relationship?

Back

A predator-prey relationship is an interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

What happens to a prey population when the predator population increases?

Back

The prey population typically decreases due to increased predation.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

How do changes in one population affect other populations in an ecosystem?

Back

Changes in one population can impact others through food availability, competition, and predation.

Front

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a stable population?

Back

A stable population is one where the number of births equals the number of deaths over time.

Front

What can lead to a decrease in a population?

Back

A population can decrease if more individuals die than are born.