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Define generalist species.
Species with a broad ecological niche; can survive in diverse conditions.
Define specialist species.
Species with a narrow ecological niche; require specific, stable environmental conditions.
Define K-selected species.
Species with low reproductive rate and high investment in offspring.
Define r-selected species.
Species with high reproductive rate and low investment in offspring.
Define carrying capacity.
Maximum population size an environment can support.
Define exponential growth.
Population growth at a constant rate; J-shaped curve.
Define logistic growth.
Population growth that slows as it approaches carrying capacity; S-shaped curve.
Define age structure diagram.
Graphical representation of age distribution in a population.
Define total fertility rate.
The average number of children a woman will have during her childbearing years.
Define replacement level fertility.
The fertility rate needed to replace a population; typically around 2.1 children per woman.
Define population density.
Number of individuals per unit area.
Define density-dependent factors.
Factors affecting population growth differently based on population density.
Define density-independent factors.
Factors affecting population growth regardless of population density.
Define demographic transition.
Process of population change from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates.
What is the significance of a broad ecological niche?
Allows generalist species to thrive in diverse conditions and adapt to environmental changes.
What is the significance of a narrow ecological niche?
Specialist species are highly efficient in stable environments but vulnerable to habitat loss.
What is the significance of survivorship curves?
Illustrates age-specific mortality rates and life history strategies of different species.
What does exceeding carrying capacity lead to?
Overshoot, followed by population decline due to resource depletion and increased mortality.
What does a wide base in an age structure diagram indicate?
A rapidly growing population with a high proportion of young individuals.
What does a narrow base in an age structure diagram indicate?
A declining population with a smaller proportion of young individuals.
What information do crude birth and death rates provide?
They provide a basic understanding of population growth trends, but do not account for age structure.
What does the rule of 70 estimate?
The approximate doubling time of a population based on its growth rate.
What is the pre-industrial stage of demographic transition characterized by?
High birth and death rates, resulting in slow population growth.
What is the transitional stage of demographic transition characterized by?
High birth rates and declining death rates, leading to rapid population growth.
What is the industrial stage of demographic transition characterized by?
Declining birth rates and low death rates, resulting in slower population growth.
What is the post-industrial stage of demographic transition characterized by?
Low birth and death rates, leading to stable or declining population size.
What are the stages of the demographic transition?
Pre-industrial, transitional, industrial, post-industrial.