Population Ecology - AP Biology

1. What is the term for the birth rate minus the death rate?

   Natural increase rate. Indicates whether population is growing or declining naturally.

2. Define biotic potential.

   The maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimal conditions. Theoretical maximum when environmental resistance is absent.

3. What is an example of a keystone species?

   Sea otters. Disproportionately large impact on ecosystem structure and function.

4. What is the formula for exponential growth of a population?

   $N_t$ = $N_0$ $e^{rt}$, where $N_t$ is future population size. Shows compound growth over time with intrinsic growth rate $r$.

5. Define carrying capacity (K) in logistic growth.

   The maximum number of individuals an environment can support. Determined by available resources and environmental conditions.

6. Which term describes the role of a species in its ecosystem?

   Ecological niche. Includes habitat requirements, feeding behavior, and interactions.

7. What is the definition of a metapopulation?

   A group of spatially separated populations connected by dispersal. Allows recolonization if local populations go extinct.

8. What is the definition of population density?

   Population density is the number of individuals per unit area or volume. Measures how crowded individuals are in a given space.

9. State the formula for calculating population density.

   Population density = $\frac{N}{A}$, where N is number of individuals and A is area. Basic formula dividing total individuals by total area.

10. Identify a factor that can cause a population bottleneck.

    Environmental disasters. Sudden events that drastically reduce population size.

11. Define K-selected species.

    Species that produce fewer offspring with high survival rates. High parental investment with greater offspring survival.

12. What is the term for a population decline to near extinction?

    Population bottleneck. Severely reduces genetic diversity and population size.

13. Identify a density-independent factor affecting population size.

    Natural disasters. Affects populations regardless of their density or size.

14. Define the term 'gene flow.'

    The transfer of genetic material between populations. Movement of alleles between populations maintains genetic diversity.

15. Identify a characteristic of a Type III survivorship curve.

    High mortality rate early in life. Many offspring die young due to high predation or environmental stress.

16. Identify an effect of high population density on individuals.

    Increased competition for resources. Dense populations experience greater resource scarcity and stress.

17. Which type of selection favors average individuals in a population?

    Stabilizing selection. Reduces variation by favoring intermediate phenotypes.

18. What does a population pyramid represent?

    The age and sex distribution of a population. Shows population growth trends and demographic patterns.

19. Which type of growth results in an S-shaped curve?

    Logistic growth. Growth slows as population approaches carrying capacity.

20. Define the term 'emigration.'

    The movement of individuals out of a population. Reduces population size and may decrease genetic diversity.

21. Which type of competition is between different species?

    Interspecific competition. Competition between different species for similar resources.

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