lesson 2 - population growth models

• What is the shape of the graph representing exponential growth?

  J curve
• Under what conditions does exponential growth occur in a species?

  When there is no competition, abundant resources, and no predators
• What is an invasive species?

  A species that is not native to a location and can cause damage
• What does biotic potential refer to?

  The maximum reproduction rate of a species under ideal conditions
• What factors limit populations according to the study material?

  Abiotic and biotic factors
• What are density-dependent factors?

  Factors that have an increasing effect as population density increases
• Give examples of density-dependent factors.

  Food, disease, predators, and space
• What are density-independent factors?


  Factors that affect populations regardless of density
• Provide examples of density-independent factors.

  Temperatures and natural disasters
• What is the shape of the graph representing logistic growth?

  S curve
• How does logistic growth begin?

  It starts as a J-curve before limiting factors reduce the rate of growth
• What is the carrying capacity (K)?

  The maximum population size an environment can support
• Does the population stay at the carrying capacity (K)?

  No, the population fluctuates around K
• What is an overshoot in population dynamics?

  When the carrying capacity is exceeded due to reproductive time lag
• What is the relationship between predator and prey in population dynamics?

  It can lead to cyclic population fluctuations
• What are the types of population fluctuations?

  • Irregular: no pattern, chaotic
  • Stable: fluctuates around carrying capacity, steady conditions
  • Cyclic: rise and fall predictably, often due to predator/prey relationships
• In the provided graph, what type of growth is depicted: exponential or logistic?

  Logistic growth
• What is the carrying capacity of the sheep in the graph?

  It is the maximum number of sheep the environment can support
• Why does overshoot occur in a population?

  It occurs due to a reproductive time lag
• Why do populations fluctuate around carrying capacity instead of remaining constant?

  Because of various limiting factors and environmental changes
• What type of growth would an invasive species exhibit initially, logistic or exponential? Why?

  Exponential growth due to abundant resources and lack of competition