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What is the definition of 'population'?
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
What is 'dN/dt' in population ecology?
Change in population size over time.
Define 'rmax'.
Maximum per capita growth rate.
What is 'carrying capacity (K)'?
The maximum number of individuals an environment can support.
Define 'density-dependent' limiting factors.
Factors that affect population growth more strongly as population density increases (e.g., predation, competition, disease).
Define 'density-independent' limiting factors.
Factors that affect population growth regardless of population density (e.g., natural disasters, climate change).
What are the key differences between exponential and logistic growth?
Exponential: Unlimited resources, constant growth rate. Logistic: Limited resources, growth slows as carrying capacity is approached.
Compare density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors.
Density-dependent: Impact varies with population size. Density-independent: Impact is the same regardless of population size.
What is the effect of unlimited resources on population growth?
Potential for exponential growth.
What is the effect of exceeding carrying capacity?
Population decline due to resource depletion.
What happens when a non-native species is introduced to a new environment?
It can lead to exponential growth if there are no natural predators or competitors, potentially disrupting the ecosystem.
What is the effect of increased predation on a prey population?
The prey population size will likely decrease.
What is the effect of increased competition on a population?
Reduced growth rate and potential decrease in population size.