Population Ecology - APES

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What is a keystone species?

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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Its presence or absence can significantly impact the structure and health of the ecosystem.

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Define a population in ecological terms.

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A population is all members of one species that live in a specific area at the same time.

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What does carrying capacity refer to in population ecology?

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

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What is habitat fragmentation?

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Habitat fragmentation is the process by which large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities.

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Explain the concept of invasive species.

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Invasive species are non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the number of different species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

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What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors?

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Density-dependent factors are environmental factors whose effects on a population change as population density changes (e.g., competition, predation). Density-independent factors affect populations regardless of their density (e.g., natural disasters).

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What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

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Predators help control the population of prey species, which can prevent overgrazing and promote biodiversity.

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What is the significance of the logistic growth model?

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The logistic growth model describes how a population grows rapidly at first and then slows as it approaches the carrying capacity of its environment.

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Define ecological niche.

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An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.