Population Ecology
A population’s maximum size is called __________________.
Carrying capacity
Two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist due to the __________________.
Competitive exclusion principle
About __________% of energy is transferred between trophic levels.
10%
The variety of life in an ecosystem is called __________________.
Biodiversity
Nutrient pollution causing algal blooms is called __________________.
Eutrophication
Define Population density?
Number of individuals per unit area.
Define Keystone species
A species with a large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.
Define Biogeochemical cycle
CRAZY QUADRUPLE!!!!!
Movement of nutrients through living and nonliving systems.
Define Invasive Species
A non-native species that harms ecosystems.
Define Biomagnification
Increase of toxins at higher trophic levels.
What type of population growth occurs with unlimited resources?
Exponential growth
What is one difference between interspecific and intraspecific competition?
Inter = between species, intra = within species
What is the primary source of energy in most ecosystems?
The sun
Why are ecosystems with high biodiversity more stable?
They are more resilient to disturbances
What human activity most increases CO₂ levels?
RIPPLE TRIPLE!!!!
Burning fossil fuels
A population is 1000 organisms. It grows logistically and is approaching carrying capacity of 1200. What happens to the growth rate (dN/dt) as N approaches K? Explain mathematically.
BUBBLE DOUBLE!!!
Growth slows toward 0 because (K − N) approaches 0 in the logistic equation, reducing dN/dt
Explain how resource partitioning allows species to coexist.
Species use different resources or use them at different times/places
Explain the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling.
They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the environment
Explain the role of pioneer species in ecological succession.
They are first to colonize and help create conditions for other species
Explain how acid rain forms and one effect it has.
Pollutants react with water → damages ecosystems
Predict what will happen to a population if a density-dependent factor suddenly increases (ex: disease outbreak).
Population size will decrease due to higher death rates and reduced reproduction.
Predict how removing a keystone species would affect an ecosystem.
It could cause ecosystem collapse or major shifts in population sizes
Explain how a decrease in producers would affect all higher trophic levels.
Less energy enters the system, leading to decreases in all higher trophic levels
Predict how habitat destruction affects biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.
Reduces genetic variation, eliminates species, and disrupts ecosystems
Explain how biomagnification impacts top predators and predict long-term ecosystem effects.
Top predators accumulate toxins → population decline → disrupts food web