Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 2

Define biotic potential and environmental resistance, and give factors of each. Which generally remains constant, and which controls a population's size?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Biotic potential is a species's ability to reproduce under ideal conditions, influenced by factors such as reproduction rate and lifespan. Environmental resistance refers to limiting factors like food scarcity or disease that limit a species's growth within an environment. While biotic potential for a particular species is relatively constant, environmental resistance is the primary factor controlling population size.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Biotic Potential

Biotic Potential is the capability of a species to reproduce under ideal environmental conditions. Factors influencing biotic potential include the rate of reproduction, the age at which an organism starts reproducing, and the lifespan of the organism.
02

Defining Environmental Resistance

Environmental Resistance refers to the factors that limit a species's capacity to reproduce and expand within a given environment. Such factors include the availability of food, disease, predation, and changes in climate or habitat.
03

Determining which factor remains constant and controls population size

Environmental Resistance is the factor that typically controls a population's size, as it consists of the limiting factors that suppress a population's growth. Biotic potential, while it may vary slightly, is generally consistent for a particular species.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe several types of adaptations a species might have that would allow it to survive in a dry environment, escape predation, or lower competition with another species.

Differentiate between the terms critical number and carrying capacity.

Explain the difference between \(r\)-and \(K\)-strategists. Where do these terms come from, and what are the characteristics of each broad category?

Describe the predator-prey relationship between the moose and wolves of Isle Royale. What other factors influence these two populations?

How may evolution lead to the development of new species (speciation)?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Energy Resources

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free