Population Growth
What type of population growth occurs when the rate of reproduction increases rapidly and then levels off?
Logistic growth.
What type of limiting factor is competition between individuals of the same species?
Density-dependent limiting factor
What is the term for the clearing of forests for human use?
Deforestation
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in an ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
What does the term “sustainability” mean in environmental science?
The practice of using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
What is the term for the maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely?
Carrying capacity
Name one abiotic factor that could limit population growth.
Temperature, water availability, or sunlight
What is one consequence of habitat fragmentation?
Loss of biodiversity.
What is a keystone species, and why is it important?
A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.
What is the goal of conservation biology?
To protect and manage biodiversity and natural resources.
Name two factors that contribute to exponential population growth.
Unlimited resources and lack of predators
How do predators act as a limiting factor in ecosystems?
Predators control the population size of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to global warming?
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat by gases in Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures (global warming).
What is genetic diversity, and why is it important for species survival?
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, which is crucial for adaptation to changing environments and long-term species survival.
What is an example of a renewable resource?
Solar energy, wind energy, or biomass.
What does the "J-shaped" curve represent in population ecology?
Exponential growth.
What limiting factor results from extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes or droughts?
Density-independent limiting factor
How does urbanization affect local ecosystems and biodiversity?
Urbanization leads to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pollution, reducing biodiversity by displacing species and altering natural ecosystems.
How does habitat loss affect biodiversity?
It reduces the number of species in an ecosystem by destroying the places where they live, leading to extinction.
What is one method humans use to reduce their ecological footprint?
Recycling, reducing energy consumption, or using public transportation.
What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors?
Density-dependent factors are influenced by population size (e.g., competition, disease), while density-independent factors affect populations regardless of size (e.g., natural disasters)
What is the relationship between limiting factors and carrying capacity?
Limiting factors determine the carrying capacity by controlling population size through resource availability or environmental conditions.
What type of human activity is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?
The release of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important to conservation efforts?
Areas with high levels of species diversity that are under threat from human activities, crucial for prioritizing conservation efforts.
What is the significance of the "three R’s" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in promoting sustainability, and how do they contribute to environmental conservation?
The "three R’s"—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—help minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce environmental pollution. They promote sustainability by lowering energy consumption, reducing landfill waste, and minimizing the extraction of raw materials, contributing to long-term environmental conservation.