Populations
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All 13 Flashcards — Populations
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Question
What is a population? Give an example.
Answer
A population is a group of the same species living in the same area at the same time. Example: wolves in one national park.
💡 Hint
Same species, same place, same time
Question
Species vs population (simple): what is the difference?
Answer
A species is all organisms of that type worldwide. A population is one local group of that species in one place.
💡 Hint
World vs local
Question
What four processes change population size?
Answer
Births and immigration increase population size. Deaths and emigration decrease population size.
💡 Hint
B I up, D E down
Question
What is an abiotic factor? Give two examples.
Answer
An abiotic factor is a non-living condition. Examples: temperature, light, water, pH, or salinity.
💡 Hint
Non-living
Question
What is a biotic factor? Give two examples.
Answer
A biotic factor is a living influence. Examples: predation, competition, disease, or availability of food.
💡 Hint
Living interactions
Question
Give one example of an abiotic factor limiting a population.
Answer
Low water can limit plant populations because photosynthesis and growth slow down.
💡 Hint
Link to survival or growth
Question
Give one example of a biotic factor limiting a population.
Answer
An increase in predators can reduce prey population size by increasing deaths.
💡 Hint
Predators reduce numbers
Question
What is a limiting factor (simple exam definition)?
Answer
A limiting factor is something that restricts the size, growth, or distribution of a population.
💡 Hint
Restricts population
Question
What is a tolerance curve (in simple words)?
Answer
A tolerance curve shows how well a species survives as one abiotic factor changes, such as temperature.
💡 Hint
Performance vs condition
Question
On a tolerance curve, what is the optimum?
Answer
The optimum is the best condition where the species does best (highest survival or growth).
💡 Hint
Peak of the curve
Question
What is the zone of stress (tolerance curve)?
Answer
The zone of stress is near the limits: the species may survive but grows or reproduces poorly.
💡 Hint
Survive but struggle
Question
Give a simple example using temperature and a fish (tolerance).
Answer
A fish may grow best at about 22°C. It may survive from about 10°C to 35°C. Outside that range it may die.
💡 Hint
Best vs survive vs die
Question
Quick check: Abiotic vs biotic (one line each).
Answer
Abiotic factors are non-living conditions. Biotic factors are living interactions.
💡 Hint
Non-living vs living
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Full study notes for Populations
Topic 2.1 hub
Individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems
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