Population Basics
What are animals that hunt other animals called?
Predators
When predator numbers decrease, prey populations usually:
Increase
True or False - Humans can only negatively impact animal populations.
False
What human activity removes large areas of trees?
Deforestation
When food is scarce, populations tend to:
Decrease
When food is plentiful, populations tend to:
Increase
What happens to prey populations when predator populations increase?
Decrease
What is one of the three main limiting factors for populations.
Food, water, shelter
Name one limiting factor that affects carrying capacity.
Food, water, space, shelter, etc.
What is the term used to describe a species maximum potential reproduction rates?
Reproductive Potential
What term describes a group of the same species in one area?
Population
Name a predator pair combo
Wolf/Rabbit, Mouse/Owl, ect.
What type of event can quickly spread a disease and kill many animals?
Outbreak
What has happened to many wildlife species since 1970?
Population decline
This term is calculated by dividing the total population by the area that they inhabit.
Population density
Without limiting factors a graph of a species population would show ______ growth.
Exponential
What are regular increases and decreases in populations called?
Population cycles
What is the protection of animals and habitats called?
Conservation
What activity involves illegal hunting of animals?
Poaching
What is the equation that describes change in population size.
Change in population = Births - Deaths
What are the key factors that influence the maximum population?
Limiting Factors
What two main factors drive population cycles?
Food and predators
What is the maximum population an environment can support?
Carrying capacity
What is the main reason for population decline?
Habitat loss (deforestation, pollution, climate change)
What are two of the three dispersion types?
Uniform/Even, Clumped, Random