key term - Population Dynamics

Definition

Population dynamics refers to the study of how populations of organisms change in size, density, and structure over time. It involves analyzing factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, and interactions with other species.

Related terms

Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals that an ecosystem can sustainably support without causing significant environmental degradation.

Exponential Growth:

Exponential growth occurs when a population increases at an accelerating rate due to abundant resources and favorable conditions.

Density-dependent Factors: Density-dependent factors are environmental influences that affect population growth differently depending on its density. Examples include competition for resources, predation pressure, and disease outbreaks.