Population Ecology Vocabulary

Ecology

• Study of interactions between living things and the environment

• Study of animal behavior

• Study of plant growth

• Study of geological formations

Carrying Capacity

• Maximum population an environment can support

• The total number of species in an ecosystem

• The amount of resources available in an environment

• The rate of population growth in a habitat

Exponential growth

• Population growth with abundant resources

• Population decline due to limited resources

• Stable population with balanced resources

• Population growth at a constant rate

Population density

• Individuals per unit area

• Total number of individuals

• Average age of individuals

• Geographic distribution of species

Population

• A group of the same species in an area

• A collection of different species in an ecosystem

• The total number of individuals in a species worldwide

• A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Invasive species

• Species that enhance biodiversity

• Species harming native species and habitats

• Species that are beneficial to agriculture

• Species that are native to a region

Emigration

• Movement into a population

• Movement out of a population

• Movement within a population

• Movement across a population

Immigration

• Movement into a population

• Movement out of a population

• Movement within a population

• Permanent settlement in a new country

Endangered species

• Species that are thriving in their natural habitat

• Species at risk of extinction

• Species that are commonly found

• Species that are only found in zoos

Extinct species

• Species that are still alive

• Species that have no individuals left

• Species that are endangered

• Species that are found in multiple habitats