Population Ecology Notes

Biotic Potential: Defined: Genetically determined maximum reproductive rate for a species under ideal conditions. Examples: Whales and humans have low biotic potential Rabbits and bacteria have high biotic potential *These do not change*

Environmental Resistance: Defined: Collective factors that reduce ideal population growth Types: Density Dependent- depends on the size of the population Ex. Disease, predation, competition Density Independent- Factors that limit a population growth regardless of size Ex. Climate, natural disasters

Carrying Capacity: Defined: Maximum population size that a particular environment can support over time. Carrying capacity results from the interaction between biotic potential and environmental resistance. Environmental Resistance Biotic Potential

Population Growth: (2 types) Exponential growth “J Shaped” curve Population Increases by the same factor every year

Population Growth: (2 types) 2. Logistic Growth “S Shape” curve Population levels off when it reaches carrying capacity Can over shoot and: Die back to carrying capacity Die back to a lowered carrying capacity Crash to extinction or near extinction *Which occurs depends on the amount of environmental damage done during the overshoot*