All Flashcards
Define generalist species.
Species with a broad ecological niche; can survive in diverse conditions.
Define specialist species.
Species with a narrow ecological niche; require specific, stable environmental conditions.
Define K-selected species.
Species with low reproductive rate and high investment in offspring.
Define r-selected species.
Species with high reproductive rate and low investment in offspring.
Define carrying capacity.
Maximum population size an environment can support.
Define exponential growth.
Population growth at a constant rate; J-shaped curve.
Define logistic growth.
Population growth that slows as it approaches carrying capacity; S-shaped curve.
Define age structure diagram.
Graphical representation of age distribution in a population.
Define total fertility rate.
The average number of children a woman will have during her childbearing years.
Define replacement level fertility.
The fertility rate needed to replace a population; typically around 2.1 children per woman.
Define population density.
Number of individuals per unit area.
Define density-dependent factors.
Factors affecting population growth differently based on population density.
Define density-independent factors.
Factors affecting population growth regardless of population density.
Define demographic transition.
Process of population change from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates.
What are the environmental consequences of habitat loss for specialist species?
Increased vulnerability to extinction due to their specific needs.
What are the environmental consequences of a population exceeding its carrying capacity?
Resource depletion, increased mortality, and potential ecosystem damage.
What are the environmental consequences of high birth rates and declining death rates (transitional stage)?
Rapid population growth, potentially straining resources.
What are the environmental consequences of low birth and death rates (post-industrial stage)?
Stable or declining population size, potential aging population.
What is the effect of high parental investment on K-selected species?
Lower number of offspring, increased survival rate.
What is the effect of low parental investment on r-selected species?
Higher number of offspring, decreased survival rate.
What is the effect of density-dependent factors on a population?
Increased competition, disease, and predation.
What is the effect of density-independent factors on a population?
Sudden population decline regardless of size.
What are the environmental consequences of exceeding carrying capacity?
Resource depletion, increased mortality, and potential population crash.
How do density-dependent factors affect population growth?
As population density increases, competition, disease, and predation can limit growth.
How do density-independent factors affect population growth?
Natural disasters, weather events, and other external factors can drastically reduce population size regardless of density.