Population ecology
Ecology
The study of interactions between living organisms and the environment they live in
Population ecology
Concerned with the fluctuations in size of a pop. and factors, both physical and social that
regulate these fluctuations.
Population
A group of orgs of the same species that occupy the same area and can breed freely with
each other
Biosphere
The part of earth where living organisms are found
Ecosystem
Made up of groups of different species of organisms that interact with each other and the
environment
Organism
An individual form of life, composed of a single cell or a complex of cells that are capable of
growing and reproducing
Community
A group of different species that inhabit and interact in a particular area
Species
A group of closely related organisms that are very similar to each other and are capable of
interbreeding to produce fertile offspring
Population size
The total number of individuals in a population
Limiting factors
The factors that help to regulate the growth of a population
Density independent factors
Factors that limit the growth of a population as a result of natural factors and not because of
the density or number of organisms
Density dependent factors
Factors that have a greater effect when the population density is high
Closed population
A population where with no immigration or emigration, the only factors affecting any change
in population numbers will be births and deaths