EcologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Population and Community Ecology

Population Growth, Regulation, and Life-History Strategies

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Population ecologists use mathematical models to describe how populations change over time and to help predict future changes. This lesson compares two foundational models: exponential growth, which assumes resources are unlimited, and logistic growth, which accounts for resource limits.

Exponential growth occurs when a population increases at a rate proportional to its current size, under conditions where resources are sufficiently abundant. As the population gets larger, more individuals reproduce, so the number added during each time interval also increases.

All flashcards

Exponential growth
Population growth proportional to current population size when resources are abundant; typically produces a J-shaped curve.
Logistic growth
A population growth model in which growth slows as population size approaches carrying capacity.
Carrying capacity (KK)
The population size an environment can sustain over time under its conditions and available resources.
Density-dependent factor
A factor whose effects on population growth or mortality vary with population density.
Density-independent factor
A factor that affects population size regardless of how dense the population is.

Quiz questions

  1. A forest fire kills deer in an affected area regardless of how many deer live there. How is the fire classified in population ecology?Answer: A density-independent factor.
  2. Why can disease spread more rapidly in a densely populated group?Answer: Individuals have more opportunities for close contact.
  3. Which combination of traits is typical of K-selected species?Answer: Fewer offspring and substantial investment in each.
  4. Which life-history pattern is commonly associated with unpredictable environments?Answer: Producing many small offspring with relatively little investment in each.
  5. How should ecologists interpret the K-selected and r-selected categories?Answer: As endpoints on a continuum, not as rigid categories.

Based on Concepts of Biology by Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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