Population Ecology Flashcard

Front

What is the definition of carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum number of organisms an environment can support.

Front

What happens to animals when humans clear a forest for farmland?

Back

The animals might lose their habitat and be forced to move or perish.

Front

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

Back

Density-dependent factors are influenced by population size, while density-independent factors are not.

Front

What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Factors that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population within an ecosystem.

Front

Give examples of limiting factors.

Back

Food supply, water availability, space for shelter.

Front

What is a density-dependent factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size in relation to the population's density.

Front

What is a density-independent factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size regardless of the population's density.

Front

How does food supply act as a limiting factor?

Back

Limited food supply can lead to competition among organisms, affecting their survival and reproduction.

Front

What role does water availability play in population ecology?

Back

Water availability is crucial for survival; scarcity can limit population growth.

Front

What is an example of a density-independent factor?

Back

Natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires.