Unit 3 - Population Ecology
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Population Ecology
Study of why populations grow or shrink
Ecosystem
Living things and their non-living environment interacting
Community
Different species living and interacting in one area
Population
Group of the same species in an area
Species
Organisms that can breed and have fertile offspring
Clumping
Grouped living pattern for resources and protection
Uniform Dispersal
Spaced-out pattern for resources
Random Dispersal
Uncommon, no clear pattern
Immigration
New individuals joining a population
Emigration
Individuals leaving a population
Age Structure
Proportion of ages in a population
Biotic Potential
Max growth a population can reach
Carrying Capacity (K)
Max population an environment can sustain
Exponential Growth
Fast population increase without limits
Logistic Growth
Growth slows as it nears carrying capacity
Density-Dependent Factor
Limit based on population size (e.g., competition)
Density-Independent Factor
Limit not affected by size (e.g., weather)
Stable Population
Small changes near carrying capacity
Irruptive Growth
Sudden population spike
Cyclic Change
Regular population rises and falls
Asexual Reproduction
No mating needed, quick reproduction
Sexual Reproduction
Involves mating, increases diversity
r-Selected Species
Many small offspring, little care (e.g., insects)
K-Selected Species
Few large offspring, lots of care (e.g., elephants)