Population growth curves flashcards

What is a population growth curve?

A graphical representation showing how a population changes over time.

Exponential growth

Occurs when resources are unlimited; population grows rapidly. Common in early phases.

Logistic growth

Population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity; levels off.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size an environment can sustain indefinitely.

True or false: Exponential growth happens in stable environments.

False, because exponential growth requires abundant resources.

Difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors

Density-dependent factors affect population based on density (like disease); density-independent factors do not (like natural disasters).

What factors limit population growth?

Food supply, predation, disease, and habitat space.

Fill in the blank: Carrying capacity is denoted by _____ in graphs.

K, representing the population limit in an environment.

Lag phase

Initial stage where population growth is slow due to limited resources or adjustment.

True or false: Logistic growth is unrealistic in nature.

False, because logistic growth is common in real ecosystems.

What happens during the exponential phase?

Population grows rapidly without resource limitations; shapes a J-curve.

What shape does a logistic growth curve form?

An S-shape, reflecting initial growth followed by stabilization.