Ecology

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

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

Front

What are density-dependent factors?

Back

Factors that affect population size in relation to the population's density, such as food availability, predation, and disease.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent factor?

Back

The average rainfall of a region.

Front

What happens to predators when their prey population decreases?

Back

Predator populations may decrease due to a lack of food.

Front

What is the relationship between prey and predator populations?

Back

As prey populations increase, predator populations may also increase due to more available food.

Front

What can increase the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

An increase in available food resources.

Front

What is the role of food supply in population dynamics?

Back

Food supply can limit population growth; insufficient food can lead to decreased population sizes.

Front

What is an example of a biotic factor affecting an ecosystem?

Back

Predation, competition, and disease.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

Front

How does disease affect population size?

Back

Diseases can reduce population sizes, especially in dense populations.