Carrying Capacity

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

What type of growth is characterized by a rapid increase followed by a plateau?

Back

Logistical Growth.

Front

What type of growth is represented by a J-shaped curve?

Back

Exponential Growth.

Front

What are limiting factors?

Back

Resources such as food, water, sunlight, shelter, and space that restrict population growth.

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

A condition that occurs when two or more organisms compete for the same resources.

Front

What is the effect of parasites on population size?

Back

Parasites and diseases decrease the size of a population.

Front

What does a population graph plateau indicate?

Back

It indicates that the population has reached its carrying capacity.

Front

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

Back

Density-dependent factors are influenced by population size (e.g., competition), while density-independent factors affect populations regardless of size (e.g., natural disasters).

Front

What role does sunlight play in an ecosystem?

Back

Sunlight is a primary energy source for photosynthesis, supporting plant growth and the food chain.

Front

How do invasive species affect carrying capacity?

Back

Invasive species can alter the carrying capacity by outcompeting native species for resources.